Zambales LGU closes open dump site

IBA, Zambales Mayor Adhebert P. Deloso has ordered the closure of the municipal open dump site in Barangay Bangantalinga, this town, and instructed all barangay environment committee heads to enforce the proper disposal and segregation of garbage in their locality.

The move is a continuing commitment to adhere to Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Signed on January 26, 2001, the law calls for the institutionalization of a national program that will manage the control, transfer, transport, processing, and disposal of solid wastes in the country.

The dumpsite, operated by the municipal government since 1995 under a land lease agreement with a private individual, was subjected to “controlled dumping” since the signing into law of RA 9003.

Mayor Deloso ordered its closure last March 8 upon the recommendation of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Board (MSWDB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3.

In an interview with Pines Arcega, municipal technical assistant for environment, she said that Mayor Deloso has given strict instruction to all barangay officials in town to fast track the identification and construction of recovery facility and composting sites in their areas.

“So far, only Barangay Palanginan has identified a recovery facility and Mayor Deloso has given instructions to extend the needed support for the construction of a recovery facility there. All the other barangays can expect the same support accorded to Barangay Palanginan,” Arcega said.

Arcega added that starting March 22, garbage trucks roaming around town will no longer collect unsegregated garbage from residents, offices, and business establishments.

She also said that they will strictly enforce the 3P program of the municipal government. 3P stands for paghihiwa-hiwalay (segregation), pagreresikulo (recycling), and paglikom at pagtabi pansamantala (collection and temporary storage).

“Healthworkers in the 14 barangays of the town will go door-to-door to remind residents of the segregation of garbage and in the implementation of 3P,” Arcega said.(Allen M. Villa/PIA Zambales)