SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday said the observance of Zero Waste Month underscores the urgent need for stronger policies to address the country’s mounting solid waste problem, including the adoption of a clear waste-to-energy (WTE) framework. In a statement dated Jan. 10, Gatchalian noted that the surge in waste following the holiday season and major public events, such as the annual Traslación of the Black Nazarene, highlights the scale of garbage generated nationwide and the strain it places on the environment and local governments. “Fresh from the holiday celebrations and other big events such as the Traslación, we are once again reminded of the sheer volume of waste we generate,” Gatchalian said. “One of our collective resolutions should be to significantly reduce waste to protect our environment and secure our future.” The senator stated that the annual observance of Zero Waste Month in January should serve as a call to action for policymakers to reassess existing waste management strategies and advocate for more sustainable, long-term solutions. While emphasizing the importance of waste reduction, segregation, recycling and composting, Gatchalian said that these measures alone are no longer sufficient given the country’s rapidly growing urban population. Gatchalian reiterated his long-standing support for waste-to-energy technologies, which he said can help address the garbage crisis while contributing to energy security. Under the systems, residual waste that cannot be recycled or composted is converted into electricity or other usable forms of energy. “I have long advocated for waste-to-energy as a way to address our growing garbage problem while strengthening energy security,” he said. “Our waste can be turned into wealth and energy for a brighter future.” The senator noted that a well-defined WTE policy framework, aligned with environmental safeguards and existing solid waste management laws, could help reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, curb methane emissions and provide additional power supply to communities. Gatchalian urged national agencies and local government units to collaborate in developing integrated waste management solutions that balance environmental protection, public health and sustainable development, stating that Zero Waste Month should translate into concrete reforms rather than a symbolic observance.