Community members, faith leaders, artists, and advocates gathered in San Pablo Apostol Parish in Smokey Mountain. The gathering took place in Tondo, Manila on September 30, 2025. They gathered to observe the Day of Action Against Incineration at the launch of the Manila Anti-Incinerator Alliance (MAIA). This coalition includes residents and waste pickers. It also comprises organizations advocating for waste management solutions. They uphold the national ban on waste incineration. Filipina singer Geneva Cruz and national athlete Dean Michael Roxas joined the event. They wanted to show support for the coalition. The campaign aims to uphold the national ban on waste incineration.
The community action occurred during the proposal of a ₱26 billion Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility in Smokey Mountain. This proposal is backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso. It has been introduced as a potential measure to address Manila’s flooding. It also aims to tackle waste challenges.
According to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), governments support waste-to-energy projects in the region. International financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), also continue to provide support for these projects.
Incineration technologies are also referred to as “waste-to-energy” or “thermal treatment.” Environmental groups classify them as “false” solutions. Communities raise concerns about emissions, residual waste, and long-term environmental impacts.
