THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will file charges against barangay officials who will fail to implement proper waste management in their area in accordance to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, an official said Friday, November 30.
DILG undersecretary for barangay affairs Martin Dino said Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 mandates the barangay officials to establish a Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management Committee (BESWMC) and to impose proper segregation and collection of garbage particularly the biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes.
“Kaya itong month na ‘to, hinihintay ko na lang yung report dahil mag-uumpisa na kami na magdemanda sa mga captain na hindi nagpatupad ng RA 9003. Naghahanda na kami, we will make sure na mayroong mananagot na kapitan at saka mga mayors. Dapat siguro parusahan ‘yung mga barangay na hindi magpapatupad ng materials recovery facilities. ‘Yun ang isa sa mga mandato ng mga barangay,” he said.
“Kapag hindi nyo ginawa, nandito naman kami para patawan ng parusa kung sino ‘yung mga talagang ayaw gumawa nitong mga naka-atang sa kanilang trabaho,” he added.
Dino said the barangay officials may be held liable of administrative charges for negligence of duty and this may result in their suspension or removal from office.
Earlier, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año called on the village officials to implement measures for the protection of the environment.
"Be advocates for the environment. Protection of the environment and proper solid waste management practices should start in our barangays in order to prevent clogging of drainage systems which may lead to flooding,” Año said.
In Memorandum Circular 2018-112, Año called on barangay officials to organize or reorganize their respective BESWMC for the formulation of a community solid waste management program consistent with that of the municipality or city.
The BESWMC will be composed of the village chiefs as the chairperson and one sangguniang barangay, SK chairperson, president of Homeowners Association, Public or Private school Principal or representatives, one Parents and Teachers Association President or representative, one representative from a religious organization, bus community, environmental non-government organization, junk shop owners organization, and president of the Market Vendors' Association as members.
Among the functions and responsibilities of BESWMC are the establishment of a barangay Material Recovery Facility, the allocation of funds for the barangay ESWM program approved by the sangguniang barangay, and the integration of ESWM program in the Barangay Development Plan and/or Annual Investment Plan.
"BESWMC is instrumental in carrying out ESWM initiatives in the barangays. In fact, they are expected to conduct trainings in barangays on topics such as segregation, composting, recycling and livelihood opportunities," Año said. (SunStar Philippines)