Ordinance needed for transfer of garbage ops

CITY Councilors said the transfer of solid waste management obligations from the City Environment Parks Management Office (Cepmo) to the General Services Office (GSO) need the backing of an ordinance.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, in Monday’s executive-legislative meeting, stressed a city ordinance is needed to affirm the transfer of handling of solid waste management from CEPMO to GSO.

Tabanda said if the transfer is permanent, an ordinance is needed to formalize the transfer of plantilla positions, including budget appropriations.

City Environment Parks Management Officer Cordelia Lacsamana said they are undergoing a transition period that will take one month.

She said they are now giving the needed administrative support to GSO headed by Ramon Concio to finalize the transfer.

The Cepmo will still handle sewage treatment, liquid wastes, forest and watershed management and parks management concerns of the City Government.

Some 179 employees under the solid waste management division will be transferred to the GSO with the recent Administrative Order 75 issued by Mayor Mauricio Domogan on June 18.

Budgetary requirements amounting P31 million covering personnel, operating costs, capital outlay this year, which are subject to realignment of funds and pending before the City Council will also be transferred to the GSO.

All major development programs will now be coordinated with the GSO as the department was also tasked by the mayor to review solid waste policies and recommend appropriate measures necessary to address the current solid waste situation, including the updating of the Baguio 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan.