WtE incinerators are 'kalbaryo' for the poor - Groups

Wiseacre Insights The Kalbaryo of Waste-to-Energy Incinerators

As professionals in the field of environmental storytelling, we recognize t
the importance of tackling pressing issues like waste management. In this b
blog, we'll delve into the concerns surrounding waste-to-energy (WtE) incin
incinerators and their impact on communities.

Main Points

### 1. WtE Incinerators A Kalbaryo for the Poor

While WtE incinerators may seem like a solution to our growing waste proble
problem, they pose significant risks to communities affected by these proje
projects. The proposed WtE incinerator in Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila is
is expected to generate harmful air emissions that will reach several kilom
kilometers, pollute Manila Bay through wastewater discharges, and produce l
large volumes of hazardous ash.

### 2. Linking Local Struggles to Global Crises

The event featured a Lenten procession from San Pablo Apostol Parish Church
Church in Tondo to Smokey Mountain, with workers and urban poor communities
communities dramatizing their struggles through symbolic cross-carrying and
and cultural performances. The groups linked these local struggles to unfol
unfolding global crises, such as escalating tensions involving Iran and the
the United States, which are driving up the costs of fossil fuel-based prod
products, especially plastics.

### 3. Prioritizing Sustainable Energy Solutions

Instead of investing in incineration, the government must allocate resource
resources toward social services, food security, housing, and job generatio
generation. According to a study by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alt
Alternatives, green jobs such as repair, recycling, and remanufacturing can
can generate over 200 times more jobs compared to landfills and incinerator
incinerators.

### 4. WtE Incinerators Fossil-Fueled Technologies

WtE incinerators rely on plastics and waste imports that have brought stagg
staggering losses and damages to our environment, climate, and society. Wit
With harmful emissions documented worldwide, we strongly urge our leaders t
to support frontline communities who have long championed people-centered c
climate and waste work through resource recovery, segregation, and recyclin
recycling.

### 5. A Shift Toward Just and Sustainable Energy

The Philippines' recent declaration of a national energy emergency under Ex
Executive Order 110, s. 2026, should prioritize people-centered solutions. 
By investing in sustainable energy sources and innovative waste management 
technologies, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and create a more 
just and resilient society.

Summary

As environmental storytellers, we recognize the power of storytelling to in
inspire change. The kalbaryo of WtE incinerators is a call to action for us
us to prioritize sustainable energy solutions and support frontline communi
communities who are championing people-centered climate and waste work. Let
Let's use our words to weave a tapestry of hope and resilience, and create 
a world where all can thrive.

Call-to-Action

Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on social media using the ha
hashtag #KalbaryoOfWTE. Let's raise awareness about the importance of susta
sustainable energy solutions and support communities affected by WtE incine
incinerators. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Optimized Keywords kalbaryo, waste-to-energy, incinerator, sustainable
sustainable energy, environmental storytelling

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.