ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS

Migration and Solid Waste Disposal in Metro Manila


by Arnisson Andre C. Ortega, Master of Arts in Demography (2004)


Migration has always assumed an inimical role in terms of its impact on the environment. The negative portrayal of migration is extensively discussed in most researches dealing with population-environment linkages. However, majority of these researches use macro-level frames of analysis based on logical abstractions, which therefore lead to underground generalizations. Both national and local governments, however, need empirically-based studies on population-related environmental issues to solve problems such as garbage disposal.

To address this need, this study relates migration and solid waste disposal in Metro Manila by using macro- and micro-levels of analyses. The 17 local government units of metro manila are classified based on several population and solid waste indicators presented in the study. These classifications are used in the creation of contextual variables. In the micro-level analysis, the solid waste disposal behavior of migrants is examined using data from the 2000 Migration-Environment Survey of Metro Manila and Metro Davao. Using logistic regression, solid waste disposal of currently married women in Metro Manila is regressed with a composite migration variable using length of stay and place of origin. Contextual variables on population, waste disposal and policies are added into the model.

Results indicate that rural and recent migrants have the highest likelihood of participating improper solid waste disposal compared to other types of migrants and non-migrants. Furthermore, those who lived in cities and municipalities of above regional population growth, poor collection coverage and whose waste collection in residential areas are being served by the local government, are more likely to practice improper solid waste disposal. With the implementation of the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000, efforts by local government units should be focused on addressing waste disposal needs of migrant communities in metro manila and on establishing relevant waste disposal, segregation and recycling programs in these communities.