THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) joined the Iloilo City Government’s drive against littering by launching recently its litter-free campaign in all DPWH regional offices.
DPWH Regional Director Rolando M. Asis, through a memorandum to all district engineers and division chiefs in Western Visayas, rallied upon co-public servants to dispose their wastes properly and take part in the effort of eliminating litters “that has become a national embarrassment juts like graft and corruption.”
He said the DPWH personnel could contribute in this advocacy by doing away with littering within their respective office premises. “We really need to discipline ourselves, personal trash such as candy wrappers, cigarette butts and spent chewing gums should be in the bin,” Asis said.
Upon assumption of office last July, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has mobilized public awareness against littering and has instructed the enforcement team of the city Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) to file charges in court against any violator who fails to pay the mandated fines and penalty.
The DPWH is the first government agency to respond to the call against littering in the city by starting within their offices.
Republic Act 9003 and City Regulation Ordinance 147 prescribed penalties of P500 for the first offense, P700 for second offense and P1,000 or subsequent violations and or face charges in court.
Similarly, DPWH Undersecretary for Visayas Operation Rafael C. Yabut hailed the anti-littering drive of DPWH regional office as he also appeal to the general public to do away with destructive practice of littering no matter how small it is.
The prevalent practice of dropping litter anywhere led to blocking of inlets, canals, and waterways all the way to rivers caused flooding especially in low-lying areas. Increased in the elevation of the river bed due to sediments from litters and garbage would cause the floodwater to rise above normal resulting to flash flooding.