DENR-EMB 10 HOLDS ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT

To showcase practices and techniques on Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau, Region 10 (DENR-EMB 10) sponsored an Environmental Summit on October 16 – 17, 2019 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The summit gathered officials from the local government units, industries, other government agencies, ESWM practitioners, academe and other environmental partners to discuss updates and information in promoting effective and efficient solid waste management.

DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu was represented by Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units Concerns Benny D. Antiporda during the program. He sought the cooperation of LGUs to effectively manage solid waste in their respective area.

USEC Antiporda said that by 2020 all local government units should have their approved 10-year Solid Waste Management (SWM) plan and no LGUs will still be operating their open or controlled dumpsite. “We need to work together to improve our strategy in solving our problem on solid waste”, he added.

He also called on the different stakeholders to help clean our rivers and creeks.

The DENR-EMB 10 provides technical assistance to LGUs in the implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The DENR is also supporting the LGUs in funding for the purchase of equipment needed like composters, molders and recycling equipment.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno delivered the welcome message. He said that it is important for all stakeholders to protect and conserve our environment.

Awarding of National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) Resolution on the Approval of 10-Year SWM Plan of 17 local government units (LGUs) was highlighted during the program.

The NSWMC Resolution approved the 10-Year SWM Plan of Jimenez, Misamis Occidental; municipalities of Kapatagan, Lala and Sultan Naga Dimaporo in Lanao del Norte; municipalities of Alubijid and Lugait in Misamis Oriental and El Salvador City. The NSWMC also approved the 10-Year SWM Plan of the Province of Bukidnon, cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the municipalities of Impasug-ong, Kadingilan, Lantapan, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Talakag and Baungon. The local chief executives or their representatives received their respective award from Undersecretary Antiporda. He was assisted by DENR 10 Regional Executive Director Arleigh J. Adorable, Environmental Management Bureau 10 Regional Director Reynaldo Digamo, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Efren Carido, Department of Tourism 10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan.

Clean-up Partners during the World Water Day celebration on March 22, 2019 in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City and Youth Camp Partners were recognized during the activity. Partner agencies for Limpyo Dagat Contest which culminated on September 26, 2019 also received plaques of appreciation.

RD Reynaldo S. Digamo was the resource speaker on Status of SWM Implementation at the National Level and Region 10. Digamo said that there are 93 LGUs in Region 10 and 59 have approved 10-Year SWM plans.

Other speakers were Head Executive Assistant of EMB Eligio Ildefonso on Policy on the Use of Waste Materials as Alternative Fuel; DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe on DILG Memorandum Circular # 2019-62 – Policy and Guidelines on Sewage Treatment & Mgt System and DILG Supervisory Functions over LGUs; Office of Civil Defense Trestan Rey Ebare on Solid Waste Management in relation to Disaster Risk Management (Pre and Post Disaster). Engineers from the EMB 10 Florencio Dominguez, Jr., Chief of the Environmental Monitoring & Enforcement Division delivered the rationale of the activities and Rowena Dorato, Chief of the Environmental Impact Assessment Section delivered a lecture on Environmental Impact Assessment and basic requirements for LGU projects requiring Environmental Compliance Certificate.

An exhibit highlighting best practices of local government units and other organizations was also set-up during the two-day activity. #TayoAngKalikasan (RSCIS MR# 10-314-2019)