Marikina: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday hailed Marikina City as a model for circular solid waste management, saying its system could be replicated by other local government units (LGUs) to address the country's garbage problem and help mitigate flooding. Marcos made the statement during his visit to the city's centralized Materials Recovery Facility, where he inspected systems for waste recovery, recycling, and reuse.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized the significance of Marikina's approach, highlighting it as an exemplary model of a circular economy. He noted that Marikina's practices demonstrate the potential of reusing and recycling materials to their fullest extent, serving as a template for cities across the Philippines, particularly in the National Capital Region. The President stated that Marikina's initiative shows flood management should extend beyond merely clearing waterways and collecting waste, with recovered materials being processed for reuse.

The President praised Marikina's use of a trash catcher along the river and its innovative processing methods, which transform biodegradable waste into compost and plastics into products such as bags, bricks, and school desk materials. Furthermore, he acknowledged the city's proactive measures, such as clearing no-build zones along the Marikina River and relocating obstructive structures and residents, as key contributors to reducing flooding.

Marcos highlighted the effectiveness of Marikina's system, noting that the Marikina River, once prone to overflowing even after light rains, no longer causes widespread flooding in nearby communities due to these initiatives. He underscored the importance of establishing an effective waste collection system, especially as LGUs prepare for waste-to-energy initiatives promoted by his administration to tackle garbage issues and mitigate flooding.

During his visit, Marcos also inspected the ongoing construction of the Marikina River Linear Park in Barangay Sto. Ni±o. The 11-kilometer linear park is part of 428.57 hectares of urban green spaces, designed to serve as a bioshield, localized flood buffer, natural cooler, and barrier against illegal waste dumping. The project aims to protect communities and reduce flooding risks, considering the impacts of climate change.