Prioritize waste prevention, reduction, b’gay execs asked

MANILA, Philippines - The environmental group EcoWaste Coalition is asking the new barangay officials, whose terms of office started yesterday, to prioritize the prevention and reduction of wastes in their communities.

“We call upon all newly-installed barangay captains and councilors to work together in building garbage and toxic-free communities that are healthier and safer for our children,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition.

Lucero said village officials should take waste prevention and reduction efforts seriously to encourage mass participation on matters pertaining public health, environment and climate.

She said barangay-led initiatives could help save public funds and create decent employment and livelihood opportunities from the reuse, repair, recycling and composting of wastes.

The new barangay councils, she said, should review the solid waste management programs and create solid waste management committee.

The group lamented that the Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act remained to be inadequately enforced since its signing in 2000.

The law provides for a comprehensive and eco-friendly approach to managing garbage through prevention, reduction, segregation, reuse, recycling and composting.

It requires the country’s over 42,000 barangays to develop ecological solid waste management programs and establish material recovery facilities (MRFs) in every barangay.

The MRFs or ecology centers are essential in the management of garbage that can otherwise end up and clog drainage system and rivers.

According to the National Solid Waste Management Commission, there are only 9,611 MRFs nationwide serving 10,529 barangays.