The Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) advocacy campaign of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Cagayan Valley will be intensified following its launch at the Robinsons Place, Tuguegarao City.

In the launch, Pinas: The Basura Buster (PBB) mascot was introduced to the public as the image of DENR in its SWM advocacy campaign which aims to drum up awareness and effect behavioral change among the public especially the youth sector to properly manage and dispose wastes.

Development Communication Division Chief Adona San Diego of the Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service who represented Assistant Secretary for Human Resources, Strategic Communication and Sectoral Initiatives Hiro Masuda, enjoined the crowd to practice waste segregation like PBB who is a modern day ‘basurero’ equipped with special weaponry to keep the environment clean and healthy.

In his message, SCIS Director Khalil Bayam emphasized everyone’s serious obligation in managing wastes properly. He also introduced Basura Buster gaming application which can be downloaded through google play store.

During the launch, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of DENR has partnered with private sectors to intensify the implementation of SWM in the region. These include Robinsons Place, Federation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Florida Transport, Inc., all in Tuguegarao City; and Baybay Ku Dalus Ku in Aparri, Cagayan with environmental advocacy partnership projects dubbed DENROBokasiya (DENR-ROBINSONS Advocacy Project), Aksyong TODAmax, Travel Clean and Green, and Nasalun-at nga Baybay, respectively.

Director Bambalan appealed for everyone’s continued support and active involvement in the programs of DENR especially in the implementation of SWM. “You are key for others to take action, and for our region to win the battle on solid waste,” she said. The regional environment chief also reminded all DENR employees to be role models of cleanliness and proper waste disposal. “Let us talk, and walk our talk,” she emphasized.

Winners of the Search for Barangay Basura Buster, a video-making contest showcasing the best practices of barangays in waste segregation, reduction, management and disposal were also awarded during the launch. Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City was adjudged grand winner and best in materials recovery facility while 1st and 2nd runners-up were Barangays Aridowen in Sta. Teresita, Cagayan and San Pedro in Maddela, Quirino, respectively.

Also gracing the event were Regional Director Jonathan Paul Leusen Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Mayor Isidro Cabaddu of Camalaniugan; Regional Director Nelson Honrado of EMB; Regional Director Mario Ancheta of Mines and Geosciences Bureau; Assistant Regional Executive Directors Marcos Dacanay and Ismael Manaligod, provincial and community environment and natural resources officers, representatives from the provincial and municipal local government units; Sangguniang Kabataan officials and ENR ambassadors, academe; media; and other officials and personnel of DENR.#