DAGUPAN City’s open dumpsite is now undergoing rehabilitation in compliance with Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.”

Waste Management chief Ronaldo De Guzman told the public hearing conducted by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, chaired by Councilor Jeslito Seen, last Tuesday, February 7 that approximately 9,000 square meters of the total land area of the dump site have already been compacted, leveled and covered with tap soil.

“Soon, we will start conducting tree planting as part of the rehabilitation of the dumpsite,” said De Guzman.

The open dumpsite of the city was closed three weeks ago by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office when it issued a cease- and-desist order on January 21.

The public hearing was called and facilitated by the committee with the barangay chairmen in attendance, to discuss the ecological waste management plan for the years 2015-2024.

After the hearing, Seen expressed optimism that the city’s wastes will be addressed in accordance with the provisions of R.A. 9003.

Engr. Carlito Dion, former Punong Barangay of Barangay Bued, Calasiao who was at the hearing on the invitation of the committee, told the barangay officials in attendance that what the city needs is the strict implementation of waste segregation starting from every household.

“As much as possible, segregated na ang dapat na makolektang basura,” said Seen echoing the advice of Dion.

“It’s doable,” said Dion in an interview by newsmen. “If we were able to do it in Calasiao, I am confident that you can also do it in Dagupan, given the vast resources that you have,” he added.

Dion advised the barangay chairmen to exercise political will to see to the strict implementation of the law while working with the cooperation of all residents.

Seen pointed out that these however, are short-term solutions to lead to the long-term solution- the establishment of the waste to energy facility – expected to be in place later this year.

MRF SCHEDULE

While the city government is negotiating with Urdaneta City for the use of its sanitary landfill, a schedule for the collection of segregated wastes from the barangay’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) was worked out – designating a day for plastics, food wastes and residuals.

All plastics collected will be brought to the central MRF for compacting while biodegradable food wastes will be retained in the barangays for composting, said De Guzman.

He also revealed the city is waiting for the arrival of a bailing press machine for compacting garbage in addition to the shredder machine being used to cut biodegradable wastes into bits for composting and turned into organic fertilizer. (Leonardo Micua/CIO)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments