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)

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)

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR-WORKSHOP

To further enhance public awareness on the importance and relevance of Solid Waste Management in Olongapo City, a seminar/workshop on Solid Waste Management will be held on October 14, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the FMA Hall of Olongapo City Hall.

Dubbed as City Wide Eco-Solid Waste Multi-Sectoral Summit, the seminar/workshop is in accordance with R.A. 9003, “An act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefore, and for other purposes.”

Among the topics to be discussed are the following:

1. The Lowcal, Low Cost, Low tech Approach/Remedies on Managing Wastes

2. The Sanitary Landfill Operations

3. The Conversion of Dump Site into EcoPark

4. Closure and rehabilitation of Dumpsite technicalities

5. Presentation of Residual Waste Management Solution

6. Presentation of Success Story

Through the initiative of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr., the Solid Waste Management Program in the city has been realized with the help of ESMO headed by Dante Ramos and Engr. Ogie Payumo.

The event will be facilitated by National Solid Waste Management Commission Landfill Expert Engr. Eli Ildefonso, movie actor-Environmentalist Roy Alvarez, Eco-Forum Philippines Unlimited, Inc. and Director Ruben Posadas.

“This seminar/workshop shall provide insights and details of the project to enable the participants to have an overview of the concept of the sanitary landfill development project,” Mayor Gordon said. “A system that forms major integral part of the garbage collection scheme, in order to enhance and ensure the capability of the city government in managing garbage disposal efficiently.”

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

Reclaim Resources signs £12m contract with Zambales local authority

Kent-based, waste-to-energy solutions producer Reclaim Resources has signed a £12 million contract with the Province of Zambales in the Philippines to supply and install its technology – the Vantage Waste Processor (VWP).

The VWP takes household waste and transforms it into biomass ready for conversion into a range of resources, including electricity and bioethanol. The VWP reduces raw, unsorted household rubbish by up to 60% using thermal hydration, processing and sanitising waste material through a continuous feed rotating stainless steel chamber.

The Province of Zambales is located north of Manila and plans to install the VWP, which can process 150,000 tonnes of rubbish per annum.

Reclaim Resources managing director Philip Hall said that the technology will help “local communities reduce the conspicuous problems caused by overspilling landfill sites”.

He said: “The prevailing economic climate is not conducive to expanding business at the moment. However, I believe this is the ideal time to expand technology such as ours.”

Hall said that local authorities in the UK had expressed interest in the VWP technology. But he explained: “In the nicest possible way, dealing with authorities in the UK can be challenging. It is hard work running through all the bureaucracy.”

Reclaim Resources is also in talks with another city in the Philippines, and is undergoing planning procedures with authorities in India and the Ukraine. Liz Gyekye - mrw.co.uk

PLAYING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

PLAYING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. Participants of the Philippine Pool Tour Subic-Olongapo Open show their support to Olongapo City’s environmental initiatives with the launching of CR3 (Compost, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), a new solid waste management system in the city on April 21, 2009. In photo is Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. giving the players a hands-on demonstration on how the city manages its waste disposal. (Photo and caption/ PAO )

ESMO DEPLOYS 128 CONTAINER BINS AT WEST TAPINAC

The initial implementation of the new solid waste management system in Olongapo City commenced on April 16, 2009 with the deployment of 128 Container Bins at Barangay West Tapinac.

Environmental Sanitation and Management Office (ESMO) Head Dante Ramos announced the good news during a radio interview at Subic Broadcasting Corporation dwGO 1008.

“Ang bagong proyekto na bin containerization ay papairalin na dito sa lungsod ng Olongapo. Sa katunayan, ngayong umaga, magkakaroon na ng placement of container bins sa West Tapinac,” said Ramos.

One container bin is allotted for every four to six households initially. “Inaasahan natin na magiging maganda ang resulta ng proyektong ito at darating ang araw na mabibigyan na natin ng tig-iisang bins ang bawat tahanan,” Ramos said.

The container bins are color coded as follows: Yellow for hospitals, Green for households, and Blue for government offices. The city has acquired seven new mechanical trucks to make the process of garbage collection easier.

“This is part of Olongapo City’s CR3 project which stands for Compost, Reduce, Re-use and Recycle,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. “This project will ensure the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid wastes in the city.”

Gordon has appealed for the cooperation of city residents in line with the project: “Kung hindi tayo magmamalasakit sa ating lungsod, sino pa ang aasahan natin?”

Ramos also pointed out the dos and don’ts in the proper utilization of the new bins. Only residual wastes (i.e. candy wrappers) are to be disposed in the said bins. The public should refrain from throwing in recyclables such as plastic, bottles, aluminum, paper and steel, and kitchen wastes that rot and may soil the bins.

To complement the CR3 project, Barangay Officials in West Tapinac are proposing to collect recyclable wastes from every household to help facilitate proper garbage disposal.

Other barangays in Olongapo are already being prepared for the implementation of the said project in their respected areas.

The ESMO is also conducting a massive information dissemination drive which started early this year to promote and campaign on the importance of proper waste disposal and solid waste management system to the school children.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. shows off the new container bins being distributed to all barangays in Olongapo in connection with the implementation of CR3, the new solid waste management system in the city. (Photo and Caption/PAO)
PAO/chay

LGUs face raps over open dumps

TIME’S UP
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to file charges against 50 cities and municipalities that continue to operate open dumps in defiance of an existing waste management law.

Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza did not identify the erring local government units (LGUs), but added that they would publish their names in major newspapers as part of his department’s shame campaign against violators.

Calling the LGUs “pasaway” (hard-headed) despite a law – Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act – banning open dumps, Atienza said they were ready to file the charges for negligence and non-compliance with the law. “They had two and half years to explain why still maintaining these open dumps,” he added.

When he assumed the position of environment secretary two years ago, one of Atienza’s first acts was to order LGUs to comply with RA 9003 – or face charges.

Apart from banning open dumps, RA 9003 stipulates that all LGUs must operate their own materials recovery facilities (MRF) for recycling and shift to sanitary landfills.

“President Macapagal –Arroyo is bent on enforcing the waste management law. The garbage problem is the biggest issue related to climate change,” Atienza said.

The environment secretary, on the other hand, said he was proud of 48 cities and towns around the country which follow the law by setting up their MRFs and shifting to sanitary landfills.

Atienza said they have offered incentive packages to these LGUs. “If they need technical and material help on carrying out the law, we are always prepared to extend that them,” he added.

--By. Alcuin Papa – Philippine Daily Inquirer

Dirtiest game in town: 'Zero Basura' Olympics

By TJ Burgonio - Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philipppines--It's the dirtiest game in town.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday launched "Zero Basura (Garbage) Olympics: A Race to Conquer Garbage in 300 Days," a program which offers recognition for best practices in waste management.

Towns, schools, subdivisions, markets and even industrial establishments can win awards just by managing their garbage well and converting them into something useful for their immediate environs.

The idea is to coax everyone to see the benefits of the 3Rs (reduce, recycle, reuse wastes), "fast-track" the implementation of the law (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and to create a "garbage-free" landscape, said Environment Secretary Lito Atienza.

"This law teaches us that garbage is not a problem and can be used to benefit society if handled well. We should look at this law in terms of its benefits, and not at the penalties it imposes," he said during the launch at the Rizal provincial capitol in Pasig City.

The law, also known as Republic Act No. 9003, mandates the setting up of an ecology center in every barangay and segregation of wastes at every step, and bans open burning and open dumpsites, among others.

Citations, recognition

After 300 days, merit certificates will be handed out to barangay, subdivisions, schools, universities, stores, markets, hospitals, parishes, factories and industries for best practices in waste management.

Citations and recognition await the best practitioners among local government units in the 3Rs, closure of dumpsites and use of alternative technologies.

All will be evaluated by the DENR based on their compliance with the elements of RA 9003, namely, education, environmental institutionalization, engineering, enforcement and economics or program sustainability.

"At the end of the day, there will be cleaner surroundings, more greenery, savings in available disposal costs and earnings from fertilizers, crops and crafts," Atienza said.

The program is a brainchild of the DENR, Earth Day Network Philippines, National Solid Waste Management Commission, Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines, Mother Earth Philippines, Couples for Christ, the Philippine Business for the Environment and the Philippine Business for Social Progress.

Olympians play clean
"The 'basura game' is perhaps the dirtiest game there is. Olympians play clean," Grand Master Eugene Torre said in a brief talk at the launch, even as he stressed "unity" in all levels to ensure the program's success.

"Harmony is very important ... If there's harmony, in the end, we will come out victorious," he added.

Using its own funds, the DENR will train a representative from each municipality on ecological solid waste management, who in turn will train others in the barangay, according to Atienza.

"This is the only way we can spread as fast as we can," he later told reporters.

3-strike policy
Alongside this soft approach, the DENR and the National Solid Waste Management Commission will implement a three-strike policy against LGUs operating open and controlled dumpsites.

"The rest of the LGUs that will not take any step, the green courts are now waiting for them," Atienza said, referring to the courts that will be set up to hear and try cases concerning violations of the environmental laws.

"I don't relish filing cases, but I will go to that extent if they don't follow the law," he added.