Saturday, December 06, 2008 Gov’t agencies, groups sign deal to cut dumping of trash at landfill
GOVERNMENT agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) signed an agreement yesterday to support the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Act of 2000.
They signed a memorandum of commitment to reduce the dumping of garbage at the Inayawan, Cebu City landfill.
The signing was done at the SM City Cebu waste market fair area. The event was described as symbolic and historical by Dr. Johannes Paul of the German
Technological Cooperation (GTZ) because it will significantly reduce the volume of solid waste by recycling it for various purposes.
Maria Teresa Menpen, assistant mall manager of SM City Cebu, said the establishment of the Regional Ecological Center in Central Visayas will serve as link between the various organizations and the public.
She said SM City Cebu started with the waste market project in June 2007.
Menpen presented some products made by the Cebu Cane City Corp. as samples of their cheap items made of shredded solid waste.
OIC-Director Rolando Luego of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 said it is not only their legal duty but a moral obligation to come together to support local government units (LGUs) in implementing the law on solid waste management.
Luego said government agencies and NGOs who signed the commitment memorandum pledged to cooperate with other stakeholders in the solid waste management campaign.
Paul, on the other hand, said people are attracted to many things but not to the solid waste management campaign.
“This is one of the big reasons why LGUs have a big problem in dealing with the residents because who is really interested in solid waste?” Paul said.
Paul, whose government in Germany is supporting the solid waste management program of the Philippine Government, said people must not only be concerned with the cleanliness at home but in the community as well.
Amancio S. Dongcoy, EMB 7 regional solid waste management coordinator, said the mismanagement of solid waste is a social problem requiring technical solutions and political decisions.
“We tell people that they are doing wrong. But people will always ask, ‘How can I correct myself?’” Dongcoy said.
He said the LGUs are mandated to solve the solid waste problem but most of them don’t know how.
“This regional ecological center will serve as the center of information for the people who want solution to their solid waste problem,” Dongcoy said.
Efren Carreon of Neda 7 said their office, which is the secretariat of the Regional Development Council, wants to bring awareness to the LGUs especially in the preparation of the solid waste management plan.
“More than promoting economic development in our country, we would like also to advocate for the preservation of our environment,” Carreon said. (EOB)
