Manila: For decades, residents of Barangay 128 in Tondo, Manila, endured flooding and foul odor even after a brief rain, as garbage clogged streets and canals, affecting not only their daily lives but their livelihoods as well. In this village near Smokey Mountain and Manila Bay, a short downpour was enough to turn the community into a maze of rising water and floating waste.

According to Philippines News Agency, the situation is gradually improving for the residents, thanks to the Eco-Ikot Center, a community facility established in October 2024 under the Enhancement of Marine Litter Management in Manila Bay Project. This initiative is a collaborative effort among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Barangay 128, the non-profit organization Communities Organized for Resource Allocation, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Residents now bring collected recyclables from homes, schools, and nearby establishments to the center. These materials are sorted, weighed, and converted into points that can be exchanged for essentials such as rice, vegetables, eco-bags, bamboo products, and shirts. For many households, this system has become a vital source of additional income.

Carolina Davan, a 54-year-old resident, assists in sorting recyclables to support her family's daily needs. She noted that the initiative significantly eases the financial burden on her family. The Eco-Ikot Center is largely operated by residents, including seven women who manage daily operations. Rhea Villamor, one of the managers, reported steady community participation, with several residents bringing in recyclable waste daily.

Barangay officials highlight that the project is also fostering better waste management habits among residents. Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna remarked that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce pollution and rehabilitate Manila Bay's coastline through science-based policies and modernized clean-up operations.

Residents have noticed a tangible impact, particularly during rainfall, as streets no longer flood as quickly with trash-laden water. The program is changing the perception of waste from merely a burden to a resource that supports and protects their community.