International Collaboration to Combat Waste Fire in the Philippines

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has taken decisive action following a significant waste management facility fire in Navotas City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Responding under the directive of the Japanese Foreign Minister, JICA deployed a specialized expert team from the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) to assist on-site. The team, which departed from Narita Airport on April 23, carried out crucial tasks, including providing technical advice on firefighting and evaluations related to waste management and environmental impact. After a week of dedicated efforts, the team returned home on April 30.

The fire at the landfill site in Navotas presented a dire situation, with burning continuing deep within the waste layers, creating ongoing hazards. In response, the expert team recommended a strategy to cut off airflows to suppress combustion. Subsequently, swift actions were taken on-site, including leveling and compacting the surface, which resulted in notable progress toward extinguishing the fire.

During the debriefing ceremony at Narita Airport, it was noted that simply covering the surface was insufficient due to the combustion extending deep into the waste layers. Ta-da Yamamoto, an international cooperation expert from JICA, explained that oxygen entry from the sides and lower levels was continuing the internal combustion, thus suggesting a method of progressively adding soil from the bottom up, effectively blocking the air channels while shaping the slope.

In response to this guidance, heavy machinery and dump trucks were quickly deployed on-site, and the suggested operations began in earnest. Visible results began to manifest, with a decrease in smoke and an expansion in the areas being contained. Concurrently, air monitoring for carbon dioxide and other pollutants was conducted, ensuring that safety measures for firefighters and workers were prioritized. The team emphasized the importance of wearing masks and managing work hours to prevent secondary disasters in high-temperature conditions.

Regarding the dispatch, Yuukichi Usui, Deputy Director of JICA's Earth Environment Division, praised the cooperation from the Philippine side, stating, “Despite the short duration, they promptly responded to our recommendations. The removal of obstacles on roads and the swift arrangement of machinery and personnel were significant in advancing on-site response efforts.” Notably, the operation was led on the ground by a fire chief who had studied firefighting techniques in Osaka during a JICA training program 17 years prior, reaffirming the strong trust built between Japan and the Philippines. Given the impact of this fire on the local community, Usui expressed a commitment to continue offering advice on proper management of waste facilities during normal times.

The JICA plays a critical role in addressing the challenges faced by developing countries through various forms of assistance, including technical cooperation and funding programs, engaging in over 150 countries and regions. The agency recognizes the interconnectedness of global issues and strives to contribute to international peace and prosperity as well as advance Japan's society, showcasing the importance of collaboration in tackling pressing problems.

The Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) teams are dispatched according to decisions made by the Japanese government to provide emergency assistance during large-scale disasters abroad. They encompass various specialized teams, including medical care units and search and rescue teams, tailored to meet the needs of affected areas. With a focus on rapid and effective disaster response, JDR teams have received international recognition for their capabilities, ensuring that they can act swiftly and efficiently in critical situations.

For more information about JICA and its initiatives, please visit JICA Official Website. Additionally, for details on the JDR's operations, check out their official X (formerly Twitter) page.