A Looming Crisis, A Golden Opportunity: How Filipino MSMEs are Forging a New Path in Waste Management

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Philippines faces a daunting waste management challenge, with over 60,000 tons of solid waste generated daily and incomplete collection systems. But within this crisis, a powerful duality is emerging: waste is not just a problem to be solved, but a material stream with the potential to create new livelihoods, products, and partnerships. This is the reality for the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 99.5% of all businesses and employ over 60% of the workforce. These aren't just minor players; they are central to igniting real, lasting change in waste management.

The Policy and The Pitfalls

The country's foundational law, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003), was meant to be the solution, mandating segregation at the source and barangay-level materials recovery. Yet, two decades later, over half of the 42,000 barangays still lack a functioning Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and open dumping persists.

This gap between policy and reality creates significant hurdles for MSMEs:

Inconsistent Supply Quality: The ideal of cleanly segregated waste at the source often clashes with reality. When waste arrives contaminated, small processors must spend more time and money on sorting or reject the materials entirely, leading to higher operational costs.

The "Missing Middle" in Infrastructure: While there are many small-scale, barangay-level initiatives and a few large end-markets, there is a lack of medium-scale hubs to aggregate, preprocess, and ensure consistent quality at a commercial scale. This forces MSMEs to shoulder a disproportionate share of logistics costs across the Philippines’ sprawling geography.

Thin Markets for Low-Value Plastics: While some plastics like PET and rigid HDPE have buyers, most household packaging wastes—sachets, films, and mixed plastics—have very little market value. Without subsidies from brands through the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, these wastes just add to the volume without creating value.

Compliance and Financial Barriers: The new EPR Act of 2022 (RA 11898), which requires large companies to recover an increasing percentage of their plastic packaging footprint, presents a massive opportunity, but it also comes with demanding traceability and documentation requirements. Small collectors and processors must now produce weight slips, geo-tagged photos, and other records. Furthermore, access to financing for crucial equipment like washers and extruders remains limited, often trapping promising ventures at a pilot scale.

The Rise of Waste Innovators

Despite these obstacles, a new generation of Philippine MSMEs and social enterprises are not just surviving; they are thriving by turning waste into high-value products and services.

Sentinel Upcycling Technologies: This Manila-based startup is a powerful example of direct market solutions. Sentinel takes "the toughest waste fraction"—single-use plastics and sachets—and transforms them into durable construction materials like tiles and planks. By creating products for the construction supply chain, Sentinel ensures stable demand and avoids the volatility of scrap prices. Their emphasis on data traceability also aligns perfectly with corporate EPR obligations.

Villa Socorro Farm: This is a story of a mainstream business becoming a waste innovator. Primarily an agriculture business, the farm has integrated circular practices into its operations, upcycling farm waste into organic fertilizers and banana fiber. They are also piloting a project to recover single-use plastics, showing that circularity doesn't have to be a separate venture.

Junk Not! Eco Creatives:

 This social enterprise proves that creativity is a competitive advantage. Junk Not! transforms discarded plastics and textiles into high-level, artisanal furniture and home decor. By blending sustainability with Filipino craftsmanship, they have elevated waste into aspirational lifestyle products that appeal to niche domestic and export markets, commanding higher margins than traditional recyclers.

The Path Forward: Three Strategic Moves

For other MSMEs and social enterprises looking to enter this space, three strategic moves are critical for success:

Shift from "Waste Service" to "Product Business": The most successful ventures focus on creating a clear product that solves a buyer's problem, like chairs for schools or boards for furniture makers. This approach leads to better margins and unlocks financing, rather than just focusing on the recycling method itself.

Get EPR-Ready: Even if not directly obligated, firms that can produce clean, verifiable records—including weights, geo-tagged photos, and chain-of-custody records—will gain a significant advantage. This is not just bureaucracy; it is a direct path to securing partnerships with large obliged enterprises.

Design a Network, Not a Single Facility: A "hub-and-spoke" model with local collection points and eco-hubs feeding a regional pre-processing site is crucial for achieving consistent quality and volume. This network approach, built on strong community partnerships, is key to sustainability.

The journey is complex, but the path is clear. By embracing innovation, professionalizing their operations, and leveraging the new EPR economy, Filipino MSMEs are not just cleaning up the country's waste problem—they are building a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

SM Supermalls and PNP Partner to Combat Cybercrime

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

An important collaboration has been forged between SM Supermalls and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to promote public awareness and combat cybercrime. The partnership was formalized with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on September 2, 2025, at the SM Supermalls Headquarters in Pasay City.

A United Front for a Safer Digital World

This alliance signifies a strengthened commitment from both the private and public sectors to protect Filipinos from online threats. SM Supermalls, recognizing its role in public safety, has joined forces with the PNP-ACG to champion cybercrime prevention. As part of the agreement, SM Supermalls and SM Cinemas will dedicate free airtime on their cinema and LED screens nationwide to broadcast the PNP's educational campaigns.

These campaigns are designed to do more than just inform; they aim to educate millions of mall-goers about the dangers of cybercrime, encourage responsible online behavior, and inspire a proactive approach to digital safety within the community. According to Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Operations at SM Supermalls, the company's mission is to provide a secure environment both offline and online.

A Call to Action

The PNP-ACG, which is the national unit responsible for preventing and combating cybercrime, stressed the critical importance of public engagement in maintaining peace and order in both the physical and digital realms. PBGen. Matthew P. Baccay, the PNP Acting Director for Investigation and Detention Management, delivered a message of support for this nationwide advocacy, urging for safer and more responsible digital communities.

This partnership is an extension of SM's broader mission to support government services and build safer, more informed communities. Through its Government Service Express (GSE), SM has already been bringing essential government services, such as ID applications and business registrations, closer to communities by hosting one-stop hubs in its malls. This new collaboration with the PNP-ACG is another step in that direction, aiming to empower Filipinos with the knowledge they need to stay safe online.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits at SM Supermalls' Food Fest

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Filipinos know that food is more than just sustenance; it's a shared experience, full of laughter, new discoveries, and the joy of a good meal. This September, SM Supermalls is turning up the excitement with its month-long Food Fest. This event promises a feast for all your senses, with unbeatable dining deals, vibrant markets, live music, and even a "paw-ty" for pets.

Dining Deals and Delicious Discoveries

Prepare your taste buds for a treat, because the SM Food Fest is packed with scrumptious deals. You can enjoy exclusive SMO Swipe Deals and special group dining offers from your favorite restaurants. Whether you're craving a comforting classic or looking to explore bold new tastes, there's a deal waiting for you.

A couple of notable promotions include:

Ikinari Steak: Customers at MOA Square can get a free Coffee Jelly with any premium steak order (tenderloin, wagyu, ribeye, or striploin) until September 30, 2025.

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu: At SM Mall of Asia and SM City North EDSA, you can get a free Menchi Katsu when you order two Gyukatsu Zen meals. This offer is valid from Monday to Thursday until September 30, 2025.

A World of Flavors and Fun

The Food Fest is much more than just discounted meals; it’s a full-blown celebration.

Food Market: If you're on the hunt for the next big food craze, the Food Market is the place to be. Here, local businesses and food vendors bring exciting new concepts to life. You can sample viral street food and artisanal specialties that you won't find anywhere else.

Foodie Snaps Village: Get your cameras ready! The Foodie Snaps Village features larger-than-life food installations that are perfect for your next Instagram post.

Eats and Beats: Enjoy your favorite meals with a soundtrack. This event features live busking performances from local artists and students, creating the perfect atmosphere to eat and groove.

Eats Local Fest: Take a culinary journey across the Philippines without leaving the mall. The Eats Local Fest showcases the country's best regional cuisines, curated by famous chefs and presented in stunning large-scale displays.

Big Bites Pawty: Don't leave your furry friends at home! The Food Fest is for them, too. Bring your pets to the Big Bites Pawty, where they can enjoy a pet buffet and discover new treats from pet food vendors.

Don't miss out on this year's biggest food celebration. Make every mall visit this September a feast for your senses and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones and even your pets. The Food Fest at SM runs from September 1 to 30. For more information, visit the SM Supermalls website or follow them on social media.