A former Department of Interior and Local Government undersecretary and urban poor leader now heads the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO).

Francisco Fernandez, who is also an executive assistant, was appointed by Mayor Tomas Osmeña as CCENRO officer-in-charge (OIC) last April 23. He replaced former councilor Nida Cabrera, who resigned from her post to pursue her bid for barangay captain of Luz.

In an interview yesterday, Fernandez said his position as OIC will only be until the City Government can hire a full-time department head to lead CCENRO.

In the meantime, Fernandez said that aside from continuing CCENRO’s programs, he plans to establish community-based material recovery facilities.

“I think it’s important to start at the community level when it comes to solid waste management. Around 60 percent of the garbage we collect daily are biodegradable. If this is processed, we not only save the environment but also help the City lessen its expenses,” he said.

He also wants to fast-track the hiring of consultants for the rehabilitation of the Inayawan Landfill.

Earlier, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered the City Government to permanently stop dumping garbage in the facility and to continue to rehabilitate the site.

Fernandez also wants to work on the proposed establishment of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility at the landfill.

Last year, the Asian Development Bank appropriated at least $808,912 (an estimated P40 million) for the study. (RTF)