THE Waste Management Division (WMD) of Dagupan that has been struggling with the growing garbage problem in the city, has asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) for an additional hazard pay for its personnel.

WMD Chief Teddy Villamil Jr. said during the regular session of the SP on Monday that his department’s workers are constantly exposed to health risks as well as threats from people who refuse to cooperate in the waste segregation ordinance.

Villamil said waste collectors face health hazards from domestic, chemical and medical wastes while those assigned to maintain the dumpsite are also constantly exposed to methane.

Recently, two waste collectors went blind when an improvised explosive device planted in a pile of garbage exploded in their faces.

Authorities have since apprehended the suspect in the series of bombings but compensation has yet to be given to the victims.

SUPPORT

Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, chair of the SP, assured Villamil that the council will look into the hazard pay request as well as other possible improvements in WMD’s operations.

Fernandez lauded the WMD for its work despite limited resources even as she stressed that the SP has continuously been approving fund requests for the city’s waste management system.

She said on top of the regular budget of the WMD, the SP released an additional P30 million.

Fernandez bewailed criticisms leveled against the SP for their alleged inaction contributing to the sad state of the equipment being used by the WMD.

“This is not true. Records showed we already made several fund releases in support of the needs of WMD,” said Fernandez.

The SP chair cited the approval of P24.5 million of the P30 million for the WMD’s purchase of   heavy equipment.

Villamil confirmed that two of these equipment, both reconditioned, were already used by WMD in collecting garbage.

Councilor Jeslito Seen confirmed that he saw these equipment entering the dumpsite.

Fernandez said aside from the P24.5 million, the SP approved another P7 million for equipment and P650,000 for  WMD’s Maintenance Operating  and other Expenses  (MOOE).

Further, P13.5 million from 20 per cent of the city’s development fund has been allocated to the WMD.

Villamil himself also acknowledged that Fernandez facilitated his request for the 100 coconut trees that have already been planted at the dumpsite.

CHALLENGES

As Villamil reported to the SP the WMD’s accomplishments over the past 12 months, he also cited the problems and challenges that they face, starting with a dumpsite that has long been beyond its capacity.

The WMD is also faced with old and sometimes non-operational heavy equipment and people sabotaging their operations by popping dump truck tires.

Two weeks ago, officials of Barangay Bonuan Boquig, where the dumpsite is located, blocked the entry of dump trucks into the area as they protested the WMD’s inability to collect the community’s waste.

Aside from its waste management function, the WMD also assists during disasters with the water search and rescue (WASAR) team integrated in the division.

PRIVATE SECTOR

Meanwhile, the vice mayor also cited that the CSI Group owned by her family is partnering with a multi-national firm for the collection of empty sachets which will be used to make cement for producing hollow blocks and tiles that will used in some public schools.

She added that a recyclable shopping bag will soon be launched by CSI to replace the use of plastic bags. (with report from PIA-Pangasinan)

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