Community Participation in Solid Waste Management Program of Selected Community Associations in Zamboanga City, Philippines

The study aimed to assess the community participation in the implementation of the solid waste management program of ten (10) community associations in Zamboanga City relative to the five (5) E’s components, namely: education, engineering, entrepreneurship, enforcement and environmental
organization as prescribed under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Level of awareness and practices of the community were identified to include best practices, challenges and constraints. To meet the research objectives, the study employed the triangulation method consisting of 1) Survey to
determine the level of awareness and practices of the respondents regarding the solid waste management in their community; along with 2) Focus Group Discussion; 3) Key Informant Interview and 4) Direct Observation to determine the community participation, constraints and challenges. The results showed that majority of the communities are aware of the solid waste management program in terms of the five E’s components, although improvements of 3 aspects such as engineering, entrepreneurship and enforcement are recommended. The level of community participation depends on the leadership of the community
officials. However, comprehensive solid waste management program for community association needs firm policies and political will of the leaders.

Keywords – assessment, community participation, solid waste management