Eco-waste messages focus on radically decreased garbage, funds for other programs
The P230M spent annually on hauling garbage for disposal in the lowlands could be used for more programs on child development, livelihood and health care, education, social services, infrastructure and other concerns.
A sense of urgency should also be felt by everyone and translated to action as to the pressing challenges of climate change, waste management, renewable energy and sustainability, Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized in his keynote message during the city-sponsored Eco-waste and Sustainability Expo opening program, Sept. 15 at the People’s Park.
It is a challenge for us to properly dispose, and consider innovations to manage our waste, the mayor said. We need discipline to practice circular economy; that of reuse, repair and recycling materials and resources, thus minimizing or totally doing away with garbage, he added.
Our solid waste management problem started with a study done in 2019 which shows the 0.24 metric ton garbage produced per person/per year was breached in 1994, Mayor Magalong revealed.
With Baguio’s natural beauty comes the responsibility for nurturance and innovations, as our choices and collective actions impact the environment which we need to preserve for the next generations, the mayor further said.
The mayor also considers having a once-a-month eco-waste expo to fuel household decluttering, recycling and swapping of materials; with support from the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), General Services Office (GSO) and other concerned agencies.
In the same program, Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda as chair of the committee on health, ecology and environmental concerns, focused on the community’s lessons learned in the past, with the need to push further to resiliency.
She called for cooperation and involvement from individuals, government (GO) and non-government organizations (NGOs), and socio-civic groups to help decrease garbage, thus lessen hauling, tipping fees and fuel costs.
This was echoed in Engr. Marie Roda Pina’s message, as she represented Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environment Management Bureau (EMB) Regional Director Engr. Jean Borromeo.
Reinforced and sustained habits for proper garbage management are needed, Pina emphasized; as waste production starts from individuals and their household. Responsibility and accountability are needed as we advocate and address reduction of waste through: lifestyle change and decluttering, proper segregation, composting, reduction of single use plastics, and proper disposal of hazardous and e-wastes.
EMB-DENR has embarked on and maintains programs on proper waste management, Engr. Pina said.
The expo which is part of Baguio’s 114th charter anniversary celebration conforms to the theme; “Reflections of the Past, Visions for a Resilient Future.” – JGF
