Environmental Governance at the Grassroots: Mother Earth Foundation and Ten-Step Program (TSP)Tool for Zero Waste in Context

Ronald Castillo; Arlen Ancheta

doi:10.69650/jcdrhs.2025.827

Authors

Ronald Castillo National Chengchi University, Taipei City, Taiwan & University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Arlen Ancheta University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69650/jcdrhs.2025.827

Keywords:

Environmental Governance, Grassroots Governance, Mother Earth Foundation’s Ten-Step Program, Solid Waste and Zero-Waste, Common Pool Resources

Abstract

Solid wastes, specifically plastics, are considered a serious environmental problem that disrupts ecosystems, making it a common-pool problem for communities. Given the severity of the problem, aside from the government agencies, NGOs are active partners of local government units LGUs in managing solid waste problems. This paper discusses the case of the Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), a community-based NGO that was able to promote zero waste at the grassroots level through the implementation of a Ten-Step Program (TSP) tool.

Methods used are interviews, field observations, and analysis of secondary data. Key informants are the program implementers, and guide questions were provided to them. Field observations include waste collection, segregation, and visits to material recovery facilities. Dayrit’s (2022) “A Manual on 10-Step Program”, though secondary data within this work, functioned as the core source of information and point of analysis.

Based on MEF’s experience in implementing TSP is in promoting zero waste, in the partner communities of San Fernando, Pampanga and the island of Siquijor, Region 8, Central Visayas. Findings show that MEF communities were able to craft their zero waste policies emphasizing “no plastic policy” focusing on waste segregation, reusing, composting, and recycling. More importantly, the TSP is instrumental in institutionalizing zero waste practices in the LGU focusing on valuable waste as common-pool resource. Through sustainable implementation of the TSP, waste was properly managed, waste workers were empowered and recognized in the LGUs and diversion rate from the landfill was realized. In conclusion, the zero waste is a grassroot tool linking local government, non-government organizations, and community members in managing the common pool issue of solid waste.

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