On June 28,2022 the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region X and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) X launched the Solid Waste Management Advocacy Campaign at Liceo de Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro City.

The launching featured the campaign mascot Pinas: The Basura Buster (PBB) and the Basura Buster Game Application. PBB is the modern-day basurero trained to teach the youth on solid waste management. Moreover, the Basura Buster Game Application is a new mobile application that aims to teach children 5 to 8 years old on the proper waste segregation.

According to Undersecretary for Enforcement, Solid Waste Management, Local Government Units Concerns and Attached Agencies Benito Antonio T. De Leon in his video message, the Solid Waste Management is one of the ten priority programs of DENR. He said, “It emphasizes our desire to fast-track our collective and ultimate objective of creating a healthier, greener, and cleaner Philippines that Filipinos deserve.”

“This is the reason why this campaign is of utmost significance. We need the help of every sector in our society to help the DENR address this waste management problem,” USec De Leon added.

Director Khalil S. Bayam of the Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service DENR emphasized the importance of the event. He said, “Today’s Solid Waste Management Campaign launch is an opportunity to promote and influence behavioral change to the communities towards the protection of the region’s natural treasures through proper solid waste management.”
“The gaming app is one of the projects under the campaign. The campaign aims to instill positive and enhance environmental behavior towards a better solid waste management with a vision to make a tangible difference in the daily lives of the people particularly the children,” Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Ma. Theresa J. Allen, representing Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado, said during her message.

Present during the launching were Liceo de Cagayan University Controller Lawyer Leo Paolo Perez, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division Chief Dovee Cherry I. Geolegue, and Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group Chief Lina D. Calvez. Undersecretary De Leon and SCIS Director Bayam took part in the launching through video messages. The event was also attended by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENROs), representatives from the local government units, academe, students, ENR Ambassadors, and other government agencies. #TayoAngKalikasan