NO to “Siga”

City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon issued a memorandum recently to remind the public on the adverse effects of pollution and the alternative solutions available to face the city’s waste management problems.

Open Burning is the most common practice and traditional way of disposing rubbish by many communities. Open Burning, however is prohibited as per Rule III Section 1 of the Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000.

Open Burning refers to the thermal destruction of wastes by means of direct exposure to fire. Violators are subject to a monetary fine and imprisonment or both.

Pollutants that are emitted by the burning smoke as a result of open burning include dioxins, ash and other hazardous chemicals. These are very harmful to the environment and the health of the community. Open Burning can create safety hazards, cause nuisance, soil buildings and property. These chemicals may also seep into ground water and contaminate it, according to experts.

The alternate solutions are called CR3 – Compose, Reduce, Reuse at Recycle.

“These are not high tech solutions but are effective if we implement it in our own homes and community,” according to Mayor Gordon.

“Clean air is essential and should be preserved and protected for the next generation,” he added.


Open Burning produce dioxins and other hazardous chemicals that have adverse effects in the environment and the public’s health.

PAO/chay

Reader Comment:I agree so much with our Mayor and even to their disagreement to the proposed Coal-powered-plant by the Aboitiz company. The Olongapeño's message to protect the environement and the community's health is very clear.

However, contrary what is being said to the public, in New Cabalan Sanitary Landfill there is this big "siga" apparent to those commuters (possibly are visitors from other regions such as Manila) who pass by New Cabalan hi-way on their way to Olongapo proper.

The smoke coming from the burning mountain of garbage often envelopes Purok 1 Libas, New Cabalan where the vehicles from Olongapo proper-Manila pass by. I am one of the resident of New Cabalan have felt certain dismay knowing that more than 10 years that the people of Olongapo are paying garbage fees and nothing seem done well with the waste management. Though recently, I have received newletters from this group regarding a certain garbage bin that will be imported expressing that this is one of the steps that are to be taken in relation to the waste management in the city. Frankly, I have high hopes on that.

It is just that the recent scenario now at New Cabalan has been giving me this doubts again. I am a person who would not want to blame the government for I have accepted the loopholes in the government system with my experience working in the government for almost five years now - almost 3 years in Gordon College, more than a year in SBMA.

There's so much that I hope to express. Please don't take this as a critism. These are mere observations. I am for progress and development and everyone is, right?

By daisyduck