THE Bacolod City Council approved on first reading an ordinance establishing the Bacolod Integrated Resource Recycling and Technology Hub (Birrth) and Eco-Park.
The ordinance was authored by Councilor Claudio Puentevella, chairperson of the City Council’s committee on energy and public utilities.
Puentevella said the City Government of Bacolod is committed to promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and innovation in waste management practices.
He said the city’s sanitary landfill, located in Barangay Felisa, serves as the central facility for managing solid waste. It will be transformed into a model facility for integrated recycling, resource recovery, and environmental education.
He added that the renaming of the Bacolod City Sanitary Landfill to Birrth reflects the City's vision of advancing waste diversion initiatives, fostering technological innovation, and creating a green space for ecological sustainability and community engagement.
Puentevella noted that this transformation aligns with the mandates of Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000," which promotes the adoption of sustainable waste management practices.
Section 3 of the proposed ordinance stated that the purpose of this ordinance is to promote sustainable solid waste management practices through recycling resource recovery, technological advancement and community engagement.
It will also establish the facility as a hub for environmental education and awareness, develop the site into an eco-park to provide a green recreational and learning space for residents and visitors, and foster partnerships with stakeholders, including the private sector, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations, to advance environmental initiatives.
Section 5 of the proposed ordinance also stated that the City Government, through the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (Benro), shall be responsible for implementing and managing the operations of Birrth.
It was also stated that Benro shall develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the facility's management and operation; coordinate with relevant government agencies, private entities, and civil society organizations for technical and financial support; ensure compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations; enter into an agreement with the private entity for the management and operation through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and other management scheme; and monitor and evaluate the facility's performance and submit regular reports to the Office of the City Mayor and City Council.
Puentevella said the City will also allocate P300,000 for the construction of the welcome arcs and markers bearing the official name of the site to be taken from the City's General Fund.
He said the City through Benro may also seek grants, donations, and other forms of assistance from national and international organizations to support other amenities of the project. (MAP)