Baguio mayor asks for waste disposal discipline

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong has appealed for more discipline on the waste disposal practices in the Summer Capital. 

    "If we can be more involved and more concerned on the manner we dispose of our discards from segregating and packing down to the time they make it to the garbage trucks, then we can be of great help to our garbage collectors and our city," the mayor said. City General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan said they need more cooperation, especially in tourist and commercial areas. "In the residential areas, we have fewer problems because of fairly high compliance of the residents to the rules but the problematic areas are the central business district and in our tourist spots where people are converging," Buyucan said. He appealed to owners of accommodation and other business establishments to exert more effort in observing proper segregation and wrapping and to obey the prescribed schedule of bringing out their garbage. "With the increase in population, in and out-migration of students and visitors, we really cannot expect 100 percent compliance but we have to give our best.

    " He said the plea also applies to compliant residents. "Residents need to cooperate more. As the primary waste generators, we should have community concern. Our garbage collectors deserve some dignity and they need our help. Their job is not easy working rain or shine, with no holidays or day-offs," he said. "Let's comply not only for our sake but for the sake of those managing our wastes like our barangay officials and our garbage collectors. Again, we need everyone's help," Buyucan said.