CCENRO boosts war against waste

CEBU, Philippines — Strengthening campaign on proper waste disposal is among the priority programs of the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO).

CCENRO hopes to further educate the public on waste management.

Part of the program was the establishment of eco-stations equipped with garbage receptacles labeled with a corresponding type of waste, which includes biodegradable, non-biodegradable, residual and special waste, during the Sinulog.

Around 211 tons of garbage were collected during this year’s Sinulog. The figure translates to 84 grams of trash per Sinulog reveler. This year, police authorities recorded 2.5 million spectators, way higher than 1.4 million in 2018 and 1.5 million in 2017.

The city’s Department of Public Services (DPS) records showed 219 tons of waste hauled last year, up 58 tons from 2017’s 161 tons of garbage.

Despite the decrease in collected trash, CCENRO Special Unit Chief Joey Baclayon said though there is still a long way to go before the city can achieve a successful waste management program.

“This is not easy. We are dealing with people’s attitudes and behaviors. So if will be able to provide the facilities, then plus continuous education, maybe they will learn,” he said.

Baclayon said people mostly complain about not having accessible garbage bins that’s why they are compelled to just litter.

To cultivate a new culture of proper waste disposal, aside from campaigns, the CCENRO is planning to continue to set up eco-stations in crowded areas.

The “Sinulog Basura Watch,” which started last year, is part of the office’s campaign.

It aims to educate the public on proper waste disposal by designated bins during the Sinulog Grand Parade, said Lester Laborte, an environmental enthusiast and a volunteer.

“Let’s all be responsible with our own trash, not just during Sinulog but every day. It should be a way of life. Hinay-hinay pero kanunay,” he said.

Baclayon said the business sector and other stakeholders are also involved in addressing the city’s garbage dilemma. — Micole Gerard J. Tizon, USC Intern, KBQ (FREEMAN)