The Solid Waste Management Office launched its Solid Waste Segregation Program on September 1 at the Municipal Covered Court. It was led by Rogelio dela Pena, Consultant and OIC of Solid Waste Management Program, who was inspiring in his singular dedication and passion for the cause of proper waste management. In attendance were the barangay captains and kagawads of the 11 poblacion barangays – Zones I-VII and Brgys. Magsaysay, Del Pilar, Cadre Site, and Poblacion Sur.

In her welcome address, Municipal Administrator Atty. Rodelynn Rajini A. Sagarino recalled her first-hand experience as legal counsel in Camarines Sur in enforcing the law on solid waste management. She noted that filing cases against uncooperative barangay captains was effective in enforcing the law. She also said that the cooperation of the barangay officials and the people themselves is critical. Sagarino then brought up the possibility of penalizing violators with a ‘no collection of trash’ rule.

She briefed everyone present that the present law requires segregation of waste to two categories: ‘nabubulok’ (biodegradable) and ‘di nabubulok’ (nonbiodegradable). The latter, she said, has two new subcategories: recyclable and non-recyclable. Part of the thrust of the town is to help train people in turning garbage into livelihood, she said. “As the popular saying goes, ‘May pera sa basura.’” A set of nicely recycled wine glasses was brought in as example.

An audiovisual presentation illustrated the dramatic changes that occurred from the time the new mayor assumed office up to the present time. What the current mayor found at the earliest days proved to be a far cry from today’s landfill that is beginning to turn green with the growth of grass: The dumpsite in Brgy. Dusoc had unsegregated hill of garbage that was the complaint of nearby residents because it emitted foul odor even from afar. Today, the hill of trash at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) has been levelled using Mayor’s own trucks, biodegradables are being ground by a machine and turned into compost, and recyclables are segregated for selling. The stench has largely subsided.

To underscore the importance of the issue, Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, in his own message, said that the current Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural (DENR) Resources Gina Lopez is serious about the implementation of RA 9003 and Municipal Ordinance #06 s. 2008. Mayor Quiambao said he had been informed that DENR staff would be deployed to take pictures of any uncollected garbage around town. One count of evidence would merit a first warning; strike three would mean a complaint against the Mayor with the Office of the Ombudsman. Therefore, Mayor Quiambao enjoined everyone to strictly abide by the law of segregating and properly disposing of waste.

Magsaysay Punong Barangay Avelino M. Junio gave an animated testimonial on his voluntary (meaning unpaid) involvement in Solid Waste Kap Idol KO. He said that the support of the town’s incumbent officials as well as his fellow barangay officials and the residents is instrumental in realizing effective management of waste. He said he is glad that the current mayor is pro-environment like himself and wished that everyone down to the last homeowner would share the same ideal.

The launching was followed by a seminar proper on RA 9003 and Municipal Ordinance #06 s. 2008. Brochures on RA 9003 #06 s. 2008 and Reorganization/Reconstituting the Municipal Board Solid Waste Management Office were distributed at the end of the program. (PIO/Media Affairs. Photo by PIO/Media Affairs)