City conducts eco-waste and sustainability fair

“The responsibility of caring for our environment does not rest on government and environmental non-government organizations (NGOs) alone. Each one of us has an obligation too, in our own little way, to lessen trash, lessen pollution, and lessen the impact of human activities on Mother Earth.”

This was stressed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong in his message read by City Mayor’s Office staff Vic Jimenez during the launching of the Eco-Waste and Sustainability Fair, Dec. 14, at the Igorot Park, here.

The two-day activity is spearheaded by the local government thru the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) under Rhenan Diwas and General Services Office (GSO) led by Eugene Buyucan in partnership with Zero Waste Baguio, Eco-Waste Coalition, KALIPI women’s groups and Cordillera Executive Lady Eagles Club.

“This fair is not just an event but a living testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the unwavering spirit of those dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment. Sana po we can institutionalize this kind of activity as part of our mission to nurture and protect the delicate balance of our environment. Sana po we can pick up a thing or two from this fair which we can apply sa ating mga households,” the Mayor’s message stated.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, chair of the city council’s committee on health and sanitation, ecology and environmental protection, said the fair aims to remind residents and visitors the importance of making Baguio an economically-friendly and sustainable city.

She said this is the second eco-waste fair to be conducted with the first being held last September 1 as part of the Baguio Day celebration. Starting next year, the lady official is pushing for the event to be conducted every quarter.

This was echoed by Zero Waste Baguio president Becky Tenefrancia and officer Beng Garcia who pushed for a Summer Capital that is “cleaner, greener, stronger and knows how to manage its resources and dispose of its wastes properly”. – Gaby B. Keith