THIRD district Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the mayors of the towns and cities under his district for the adoption of a district-wide and unified approach to waste management.
The signing of the MOU came as a result of a planning summit last August 14 in Tagaytay City between third district chief executives and planning officers and the staff of Benitez.
The summit is the first of a series of consultative meetings that will align directions and plans to come up with a district-wide development roadmap for the next three years.
Benitez, who spearheaded the meeting, called for cooperation, synergy and coordination so that there will be a realistic consolidation of ideas and resources to attain cost-effectiveness and efficient delivery of services to the people of the district.
The signing of the MOU was considered as the summit’s first milestone.
Those who signed the MOU are Benitez, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, Talisay Mayor Dr. Eric Saratan, Silay Mayor Jose Montelibano, E.B. Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson, and Victorias City Mayor Severo Palanca represented by Vice-Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca.
Under the MOU, three major tasks will be undertaken. The first step entails the creation of a Technical Working Group composed of key personnel from each of the cities and towns of the district and chaired by a representative from the congressional district office.
The second stage requires the conduct of an intensive joint study on major concerns and components of the waste management system, such as the need for a suitable garbage dumpsite, the transport of waste, waste reduction efforts, integration of community-based livelihood activities derived from waste materials, and resource mobilization.
The third task will be the comprehensive review of existing laws, as well as local ordinances passed, on waste management.
The MOU also underscored the vital role of the congressional representative in the implementation of a viable and sustainable operation of a unified waste management program that the 3rd district will initiate in the province.
Benitez enjoined the local government unit to identify short, medium and even long-term priority development projects so that his office can assist in identifying and matching resources and tapping available opportunities. (Teresa Ellera-Dulla)