TACLOBAN CITY – In response to the call of then Environment Secretary Elisea Gozun for local government units to strictly and fully implement Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Mayor Michael Torrevillas of Matag-ob, Leyte is now gearing up for the establishment of a municipal controlled dumpsite for its garbage disposal.

“I believe that Matag-ob is now ready for this,” Mayor Torrevillas said.

He explained that Matag-ob has long been implementing an efficient garbage collection program which is “grass fueled,” utilizing the services of a best burden (cow) instead of a dump truck. However, Mayor Torrevillas said that the LGU is not yet practicing waste segregation and recycling due to the absence of a controlled dumpsite and materials recovery facility.

Minerva Sanoria, Municipal Population Officer, also revealed that Matag-ob has always been a contender for the Clean and Green Contest of the government but it has yet to win the coveted distinction because it fails in the contest requirement for the presence of a municipal controlled dump site or sanitary landfill.

Recently, the LGU has sought the technical conference held on October 5 at the Mayor’s Office, Virginia Tamayo, study leader, Solid Waste Segregation Technology of the DENR, introduced RA 9003 and its salient provisions.

Likewise, Tamayo discussed the importance of waste segregation at source, with emphasis on recycling and re-using what would otherwise be already garbage. According to Tamayo, waste segregation would finally be dumped at the controlled dumpsite. Likewise, this would provide livelihood opportu9niities to scrap buyers and those who will venture into the recycling business.

Realizing the need for his cio0nstitunts to be aware of the RA 9003, Mayor Torrevillas is requesting DENR to conduct a more detailed orientation of the said law which will be attended by the barangay chairmen, SK chairmen, and heads of the environmental committee of each barangay in his municipality.

The LGU is also seeking the assistance of the DENR in the identification and assessment of possible areas for their controlled dumpsite.

DENR Regional Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca expressed his appreciation to the efforts of the Matag-ob LGU towards full implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management of Act of 2000.

Sibbaluca is encouraging other LGUs to make similar initiatives, saying that the DENR is always prepared to extend technical assistance to them.