THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is expanding efforts to turn water lilies clogging waterways into charcoal briquettes to reduce flood risks while creating livelihood opportunities.
MMDA General Manager Nicholas Torre III said on Wednesday, June 10, that the agency strengthened the Tapayan Charcoal Briquetting Facility, which processes harvested water lilies removed from esteros and other water channels.
Torre said the project aims to prevent water lilies from slowing water flow in drainage systems and contributing to flooding by converting them into usable fuel products instead of simply disposing of them.
The facility collects, processes, and transforms water lilies into charcoal briquettes that can serve as an alternative cooking fuel while helping communities benefit from the program.
MMDA said the initiative supports cleaner waterways, reduced flood risks, and potential livelihood opportunities by addressing the problem at the source.
Torre said the agency will continue to review and strengthen similar programs that turn waste materials into resources.