Representatives from the different agencies located at the regional government center (RGC) in Tuguegarao City expressed their commitment to reduce waste through proper solid waste management.

 

The commitment was made during the culminating activity of Earth Month celebration earlier hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 in partnership with Environmental Management Bureau, and the local government unit of Tuguegarao City.

 

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of DENR R2 reported that a total of 40 tons of mixed waste are being collected daily, an alarming volume of waste considering the growing population in the city.

 

“The regional government center is one of the big contributors of waste in Tuguegarao City that’s why I urge everyone to strictly practice proper waste segregation in their respective offices,” said Director Bambalan.

 

The regional environment chief proposed that each agency at the RGC must establish a materials recovery facility to promote recycling and to limit the disposal of a large volume of solid waste.

 

In his message, EMB Regional Director Nelson Honrado reminded the participating agencies of their compliance with different environmental laws to include the securing of water discharge permit, hazardous waste generator registration certificate, environmental compliance certificate, and having an accredited pollution control officer.

 

For the part of the city government, City Councilor Ronaldo Ortiz who represented Mayor Maila Ting-Que expressed his gratitude to the DENR for its assistance to curb waste problem in the City.

 

“Maintaining a clean and healthy workplace is a shared responsibility among all of us. Let’s help each other,” he added.

To further encourage other government institutions in practicing proper solid waste management, a search for the best material recovery facility at the RGC will be launched by the City government in partnership with the DENR and EMB.

 

Part of the Earth Month culminating activity were the orientation on ecological solid waste management, garbage management and collection protocol, and potential green spaces within the RGC.

 

DENR field offices also conducted environmental activities in line with the celebration to include cleanup drives, bamboo and tree growing activities, and information drives.

 

An environment exhibit featuring the contribution to food security of the Cagayan Valley Forest Land Management Agreement holders as cattle raisers in the region was also conducted during the National Cattle Congress on April 27-28, this year in Echague, Isabela.#