The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2, Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and Tuguegaro City local government unit (LGU) have pledged to create Solid Waste Management Task Force to enhance air and water quality, and solid waste management in the city.

 

The task force to be led by the four offices in collaboration with other partners and stakeholders will assess the operation and maintenance of the sanitary landfill (SLF) of the LGU, implement massive waste segregation in all barangays and clearing of waterways along the esteros and creeks, and establish urban biodiversity area.

 

“We are happy in the DENR to extend technical assistance to ensure the implementation of wastes segregation and in the clearing of waterways, esteros, and creeks in the city," Director Bambalan said.

 

The regional environment chief also emphasized the role of the local government in implementing proper solid waste management as embodied in Republic Act No. 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000."

 

Meanwhile, Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que thanked the DENR, and the bureaus for extending assistance on guidelines and procedures towards an enhanced solid waste and quality environment. “I want a stricter implementation of waste segregation and with our collaboration with the DENR, we can surely bring change for a cleaner, greener and smarter Tuguegarao City,” Mayor Ting-Que said.

 

As part of combating the effects of climate change, the DENR proposed the establishment of urban biodiversity greenbelt in the city in support of achieving a resilient and sustainable environment in urban areas. This will be presented in the city council for its approval for an endorsement of resolution adopting the said proposal.

 

Regional Director Nelson Honrado of EMB Region 2 emphasized the need to fully implement waste segregation at source, within the households, and barangay level to reduce wastes. “The bulk of waste generated in Tuguegarao City is mostly biodegradable. If only these biodegradable wastes be converted into compost then only residual wastes will go to the sanitary landfill," said Director Honrado.

 

Solid waste management program strategies and approaches were also discussed in the meeting such as the conduct of massive information drive; orientation among barangay officials; and benchmarking to SLF, urban greening and river management best practices.

 

Other measures tackled include the imposition of no segregation no collection policy, installation of dumpster or a large trash receptacle in selected areas, and scheduling of garbage collection to include within the regional government center.

 

"We want a change that has longer effect and impact. With shared responsibility, better opportunity comes in," the local chief executive added.

 

Tuguegarao City has an average total of 40 tons generated waste per day.

 

Joining in the meeting were other DENR and LGU officials.#