Model barangay

PASSIONATELY committed and dedicated public servants. That’s the kind of leaders barangay Pinsao Pilot Project in Baguio City have. Their admirable leadership has also been a big factor on why up to the present they continue to be one of the model barangays in the compliance of solid waste management program of the city.

Ask the residents where they heard the words solid waste management and who encouraged them to do waste segregation. Many of them would say it is their barangay officials headed by Punong Barangay Sotero Dulaycan.

From the successful result of the setting up of 12x12 meter eco-composting plant, which is just 500 meters away from the barangay hall, the grassroots officials intend to have another similar plant to fully manage their biodegradable wastes. This concept was introduced to them by former Loakan-Liwanag Punong Barangay Fred Fangonon.

Barangay kagawad Patrick Dangatan, chair of the committee on education and beautification, said they still need another composting plant, which will be used by other puroks of the area.

“Kulang pa ang composting pit. We need a new one which will also be part of the beautification program of the barangay,” Dangatan said.

He said there is already an available space for the said purpose but the lack of funding for the project is one big concern.

For now, work continues to ensure the strict compliance of the residents on solid waste segregation with the help of the various groups like the senior citizens who continuously monitor the three designated pick up point areas - Purok 2 (the entrance of the barangay), Purok 1 (in front of the barangay hall), and Purok 3 (turning point). They make sure that dumping of garbage will be done at the proper areas and segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes are followed.

Dangatan said the senior citizens do not receive any compensation for the job. He said that is one big reason why they do not do not deserve any words coming from the garbage collectors accompanied by volunteers joining them in the truck who seem to be slighted whenever there are no longer recyclable wastes to be collected.

With the success story of Pinsao Pilot Project Barangay on solid waste management, it only proves that the program is easy to do as long as there are great and admirable barangay leaders who are all out in supporting the government in addressing this pressing concern of the city and continue to inspire their residents to be part of the solution to the problem.

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