THE Bacolod City Council approved a resolution enjoining all barangays in the city in coordination with the Department of Public Services (DPS) to join the global effort to beat plastic pollution by taking action to recover all recyclable plastic wastes back to circular economy by way of implementing strict segregation and collection at source and sustained operation of material recovery facilities (MRFs) at barangay level.
The resolution was authored by Councilor Claudio Puentevella, chairperson of the City Council committee on health.
Puentevella said June 5 is the 50th World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually since 1973.
He said the World Environment Day 2023 is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matters. World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world.
He added the Implementing rules and regulations (IRR)of RA 9003 Rule XI Section 1 states that, the Barangays shall be responsible for the collection, segregation, recycling of biodegradable, recyclable, compostable and reusable wastes.
Puentevella noted that MRFs will be established in every barangay or cluster of barangays.
"The barangay, being the frontline of the government, is further required under RA 9003 to develop an ecological solid waste management program, promote waste segregation, implement a segregated collection for biodegradable and non-biodegradable discards, and set up MRFs," Puentevella said.
He said the ongoing de-clogging and dredging activities at various water ways in Bacolod city revealed the accumulation of plastics wastes as a result of indiscriminate throwing and dumping of plastic waste.
He added that Section 16 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 mandates the Local Government Units to exercise their power which are essential to the promotion of general welfare of the people.
Puentevella disclosed that the Philippines is considered the third-largest contributor to plastic waste worldwide, contributing to an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of ocean plastic every year.*