EMB to file cases against LGUs with no waste management plans

NSWC to OK those of 7 Apayao towns 

By Gerriahzon S. Sebastian

LUNA, Apayao – The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Cordillera said it will be filing cases against local government units in the region who failed to comply with provisions of the Republic Act 9003.

However, this is not the case for any local government unit in Apayao considering their solid waste management/disposal plans are set to be approved by the National Solid Waste Commission.

              Under Section 50 of RA 9003, local government officials of government offices concerned who fail to comply and enforce rules and regulations promulgated related to this Act shall be charged administratively in accordance with RA 7160 and other laws and regulations. 

                NCWC Chairman Romeo Hidalgo made a positive pronouncement in behalf of National Solid Waste Commission technical working group that the 10-year municipal ecological solid waste management plans of all Apayao towns deliberated on March 22 at Mawanan Mt. Resort and Convention Center, Calanasan, Apayao will be recommended for approval to the NSWC.

Gov. Elias Bulut, Jr. and all mayors of Apayao attended the meeting with NSWC Undersecretary lawyer Noel Felongco, TWG members and provincial officials.

Hidalgo during their courtesy visit at the provincial capitol here March 23 told Bulut all Apayao towns complied with RA 9003 known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, hence, their strong recommendation.

“               If the 10-year solid waste plans of our seven municipalities are to be approved by the Commission, then it is appropriate also to put them in our table for us to study and improve for its application in the provincial level,” Bulut said.

Pudtol Mayor Hector Pascua in behalf of all mayors of Apayao expressed his gratitude for affirmation of their plans by the TWG.

According to the TWG, they will be endorsing approval of all the plans after submission of slight changes or revisions by said municipalities in line with recommendations of TWG during deliberation.  

The panelists went to Sta. Marcela and Flora towns to visit schools which have best practices with regard to waste management.

Flora Central School under Resty Leano garnered several awards for the search for the most sustainable eco-friendly school.

Meanwhile, award winning Sta. Marcela Mayor Rolly Guiang held a simple program for the TWG highlighting their good practices.