EMB to strengthen advocacy on zero-waste city

In line with the National Zero Waste Month, the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) boosts their advocacy on the Zero Waste Campaign implemented for a cleaner, greener city and to lessen the production of solid wastes within Davao.

Senior Environmental Management Specialist Jay Kristoffer Bawi-in said that for this year’s theme they are partnering with the alternative technologies for proper waste management, and also built partnerships with the LGUs and the private industries to take part in the intensified advocacy towards Zero Waste Management.

According to Bawi-in, there are only 2 sanitary landfills present in the region. Dumpsites in other places are still operating due to the absence of sanitary landfills in the area, that is why alternative technologies are needed. In Davao, there are companies that are accepting solid wastes, particularly, from LGUs as far as from Davao Oriental, wherein their wastes will be brought to the city, specifically in an industry in Sasa that recycles plastic wastes and make them into chairs for classrooms and other products that can be extracted from it.

In Region XI there are 49 LGUs existing yet only 2 sanitary landfills present, which are located at IGACOS and in Davao. One landfill per LGU is supposed to be a requirement, but minding the place where the landfill must be placed depends on the area’s convenience and stableness. Assessment must be needed for a specific area where a landfill must be placed.

EMB also mandated to implement 5 environmental laws namely: PD 1586 PHILIPPINE ENVIROMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SYSTEM also known as an issuance of environmental compliance certificate, RA 9275 PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004, RA 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999, RA 6969 TOXIC CHEMICALS AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT and RA 9003 ECOLOGICAL ACT 0F 2000 that is a technical assistance that are given to the LGUs.

According also to Bawi-in, 900 tons of total waste are generated per day. 50% of these wastes are biodegradable which is good news because it can help lessen the burden of the LGUs to segregate what’s biodegradable and what’s not. EMB advised everyone to practice backyard composting and practice the Zero Waste lifestyle for us to help save the environment from drowning into a pit of garbage. They also target the values of the people to be more disciplined and help in intensifying the campaign for a Zero Waste city, as what Bawi-in said, “the laws are in place, LGUs have already the systems, and barangays have ordinances. It is the people that needs to discipline themselves.”

To strengthen more the campaign, EMB is proposing to conduct a massive IEC, specifically in schools, through their solid waste enforcement and education program. They will also have a celebration in Quezon City for a Zero Waste, My celebration, showcasing best alternative technologies throughout the country so that LGUs can practice it. (Samantha Burgos | HCDC Intern)