THE 10-year solid waste management plan (SWMP) of Iloilo Province was recently approved by the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC).
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) received NSWMC Resolution No. 1177 series of 2018 on Thursday, December 6, which embodies the said approval. It was signed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) undersecretary Benny Antiporda.
The plan underscores the waste analysis and characterization study of the 42 towns and one component city.
The province is then required to submit to the commission the final version of the plan, with a Provincial Board resolution and an annual progress report on the strategies implemented, as well as the accomplishments.
Penro handed in the resolution to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. during the regular flag ceremony on Monday, December 10.
Under Section 10 of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provinces, cities, and municipalities through their local SWM Boards are required to prepare their respective 10-year SWMP.
Moreover, NSWMC also approved the 10-year plan of the municipalities of Bingawan, Dumangas, Leganes, and Oton. As of now, 28 out of 43 local government units in Iloilo have approved SWMPs.
“This will serve as the bible for the SWM program of the entire province of Iloilo for 10 years,” said PENRO Senior Environmental Management Specialist Mitzi Peñaflorida.
Solid Waste Awareness Week
Iloilo Province is also celebrating the solid waste awareness week from December 10 to 14.
On Monday, there was an opening of the exhibit of the solid waste recycling activities of different municipalities.
On Tuesday, December 11, there will be a spot lantern making contest, which marks its 8th anniversary this year. It will be participated by eight secondary schools.
A Barangay Solid Waste Management Congress was slated on December 12 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby and it will be participated by 200 village officials.
On December 13, the 3rd Provincial Solid Waste Management Summit will be held. The highlights of the event will be the launching of “Mr. ART” (alternative, recycling, technology) mascot, trash in a bottle campaign, and the Eco Bahay Project.
Eco Bahay project maximizes the use of bottles filled with trash as well as eco bricks to build a house for the identified Indigenous People (IP) community in Calinog town. It is in partnership with EcoBahay Philippines.
And on December 14, there will be a provincial solid waste management board meeting and awarding of outstanding local government units. (PR)