empowering women through upcycling
From Polluters to Producers
The National Council of Women of the Philippines (NCWP), in collaboration with Alpha Distinct Development Solutions, Inc. (Alpha DDSI), proudly leads the Women on Waste program—a transformative initiative addressing the country’s mounting plastic waste crisis. Alpha DDSI, known for its innovative circular economy solutions, serves as the lead implementer, driving this cause-oriented project with the support of NCWP’s extensive network of women organizations across the Philippines.
Through partnerships with key stakeholders—including the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), Miss Earth Philippines, Balikatan sa Kaunlaran National Foundation (BSK), Heirs of the World, Inc. (HOW), Philippine Women’s University (PWU), Sentinel Upcycling Technologies, and other organizations—the program delivers innovative and community-driven solutions.
With collaboration at its core, Women on Waste unites government agencies, private entities, NGOs, civic groups, and grassroots communities to champion sustainability and empower women as changemakers in the fight against plastic pollution.
The Problems We Face
The Philippines ranks as one of the largest contributors to ocean plastic waste globally, generating an alarming 61,000 metric tons of solid waste daily. Of this, 35% leaks into marine ecosystems, jeopardizing biodiversity and human livelihoods. Microplastics, persistent in the environment, pose long-term hazards to the health of communities and ecosystems.
Infrastructure
A lack of effective waste management infrastructure (only 39.05% of barangays are served by Material Recovery Facilities). This gap leads to the uncontrolled accumulation of waste in dumpsites, open pits, and waterways.
Culture
The country generates an estimated 163 million sachets, 48 million shopping bags, and 45 million thin-film bags daily. These plastics are typically discarded after a single use, with no viable recovery process in place.
System
Recycling remains an underdeveloped sector in the Philippines, with only 9% of plastic waste successfully recycled. Of the 15% of plastic waste collected for recycling, nearly 40% is ultimately discarded as residue due to contamination or inefficiencies in processing systems.
OUR VISION
The Women on Waste Program envisions a Philippines where women lead in building a circular economy—transforming waste into valuable resources, empowering communities, and mitigating climate change impacts. By centering women in the waste management value chain, the program creates inclusive opportunities for marginalized sectors.
WHAT WE DO
Through a partnership-driven model, the program adopts innovative, community-based solutions that integrate waste collection, segregation, cleaning, and upcycling.
Waste Diversion Infrastructure
The program establishes a solid foundation for sustainable waste management by installing collection bins in barangays, schools, and public spaces. Additionally, upcycled carts are deployed to streamline plastic waste collection, ensuring efficient handling and storage while promoting eco-friendly practices within communities.
Education and Capacity Building
To foster lasting behavioral change, the program conducts Gawaing Wasto training sessions in barangays, schools, and universities, teaching proper waste segregation and upcycling techniques. Complementing this are robust Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns designed to raise awareness and encourage active participation in sustainable practices.
Upcycling and Livelihood Creation
The collected plastic waste is transformed into high-quality, eco-friendly products such as furniture, decorative items, and functional tools. These initiatives not only reduce environmental pollution but also highlight Filipino creativity, with upcycled products showcased on national and international platforms, generating livelihood opportunities for grassroots communities.
Technology and Innovation
To support large-scale waste processing, the program introduces advanced Wasto Upcycling Machines, including shredders, compactors, and pulverizers. These machines produce durable, recycled materials that serve as the foundation for new, innovative products, reinforcing the program’s commitment to a circular economy.