City and barangay solid waste management board function intensified
Intending to strengthen and put more teeth into the implementation of Republic Act 9003, better known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the composition and functions of the city and barangay solid waste management boards have been highlighted.
This was realized with the approved resolution (Res. 06, s. of 2023) of Council Committee Chair on Health and Sanitation, Ecology and Environmental Protection Betty Lourdes Tabanda, urging the barangay solid waste management committee to intensify the execution of functions and responsibilities in accordance with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) implementing rules on Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Included in the implementing rules and regulations of RA 2003, is the creation of the barangay solid waste management committee with the barangay captain as chairperson and representatives from the junk shop owners association, environmental NGO, business community, religious organization, parents and teachers association, public/private school principals and the Kagawad on Environmental Protection. The Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson, President of Homeowners Association and President of the market vendors association are also members of the barangay SWM board.
Said local board shall formulate SWM programs from the waste analysis and characterization study (WACS), oversee the segregation and collection of biodegradable, compostable, reusable waste and establish a materials recovery system when feasible. These are crucial in the SWM efforts and programs of the city, Councilor Tabanda stated in resolution 06, series of 2023.
The same local board shall allocate or fund sources of funds for SWM programs, and coordinate all activities and submit monthly reports to the General Services Office (GSO).
In the same line is the reconstitution of the Baguio City Solid Waste Management Board through Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s Executive Order 90, Series of 2022, issued August 8, 2022.
“Reconstituting the composition of the City SWM board will strengthen linkages among stakeholders, government and non-government, to ensure continuity, effectiveness and efficiency in the implementation of programs and projects consonant to the Ecological SWM Plan,” the EO states.
The mayor is chair of the City SWM Board, with Councilor Tabanda as co-chair, and Councilors Michael Lawana – committee chair on Barangay Affairs, and Levy Lloyd Orcales – President, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, Regional Director (RD) of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB – CAR) Ma. Victoria Abrera, representative from the Recycling Industry Soledad Valencia, Zero waste – Baguio representative Ma. Buena Victoria Tenefrancia, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) RD Nancy Bantog, Deped Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Federico Martin and Mountain Maid Training and Development Foundation, Inc. President Cecilia Torres.
The secretariat is from the General Services and the Public Services Offices.
The CSWM Board shall develop the CSWM Plan for long-term management, and integrate plans and strategies of the barangays in consultation with the various sectors in the locality. It shall adopt measures to ensure viability, monitor the implementation of the SWM plans in cooperation with the private and non-government organizations, review the SWM plan every two years or as the need arises to ensure sustainability, viability, effectiveness and relevance.
Said board shall convene regularly for planning and coordinating the implementation of the SWMP of the respective barangays. – JGFianza
