Waste management plansof 16 LGUs get DENR OK

MANILA, Philippines — The National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) has approved the 10-year solid waste management plans of 16 local government units in compliance with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

The commission, chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, approved the respective SWM plans of the 16 LGUs covering various years from 2014 to 2027.

The LGUs include Quezon City, Lagawe and Alfonso Lista Ifugao, Dilasag, Dipaculao and San Luis in Aurora, Mallig in Isabela, Bacnotan in La Union, General Nakar in Quezon, Mangaldan in Pangasinan, Angat and Guiguinto in Bulacan, and Bongabon, General Natividad, Guimba and Talugtog in Nueva Ecija.

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the Commission has made it easier and faster for LGUs to secure approval for their SWM plans provided they comply with all the requirements provided for in the law.

“We may be quick in filing cases against erring mayors but we are also quick in providing them technical assistance. We want to make it convenient for all LGUs to comply with all the requirements so that they can easily prepare their SWM plans,” he said.

The DENR and its attached-agency Environmental Management Bureau will closely monitor the implementation of the approved plans.

Antiporda said LGUs are encouraged to come up with a good system on recycling, composting and disposal of solid wastes.

Improper or non-implementation of an approved SWM plan could lead to its cancellation and filing of charges against concerned local officials.