GEROCHE REPORTS OC’S SYSTEM OF WASTE DISPOSAL

Advocating her Zero Basura Campaign, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the meeting on Climate Change held at the George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center at Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) last August 14, 2009.

Representing Undersecretary Carlos Garcia VI for Secretary Heherson Alvarez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change (OPACC), DENR Undersecretary Al Geroche presented a study conducted by OPACC in connection with the waste management programs of local government units (LGU) in Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan.

According to the said study presented to PGMA, guests and LGU officials, unlike other towns that use open dumpsites, Olongapo operates a controlled dumpsite for it’s garbage disposal with recyclables segregated and sold to 17 junkshops in the city as also indicated by the study.

The OPACC pushes for the closure of open dumpsites because of the methane gas that these open dumpsites release to the atmosphere. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to climate change.

“Our CR3 or compost, reduce, re-use and recycle program aims for Zero Basura in the city. Our system is efficient and our ESMO people are diligent. If we religiously follow the CR3 steps in waste disposal, we can help lessen the effects of climate change and we can also enjoy a cleaner and pollution-free city today and in the future,” said Mayor James “Bong Gordon, Jr.

Residents and Olongapo city employees welcomed President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo as the guest of honor for the ribbon-cutting ceremonies and official opening of George Dewey Medical and Wellness Center (GDMWC) last August 14, 2009 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. PGMA also led the briefing on climate change held at the cafeteria of GDMWC attended by guests and officials from different local government units from Olongapo City, Zambales and Bataan.

Pao/sara