Brgy urged to step up versus open burning

CEBU, Philippines — Amid growing concerns over air pollution and its effects on public health, the Cebu City Council has approved a resolution urging all barangays to intensify efforts against open garbage burning and strengthen community-wide waste management practices.

The resolution, authored by City Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa, encourages barangay officials to regularly monitor areas where garbage burning is frequently reported, promptly coordinate with authorities on violations, and intensify public awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal and segregation.

The council noted that while burning garbage may appear to be a quick way to dispose of waste, the practice releases smoke and potentially harmful pollutants into the air, posing health risks to nearby residents and contributing to deteriorating air quality.

The measure comes as Cebu City continues to grapple with air quality concerns.

The resolution cited reports showing that the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) had reached hazardous levels in recent months and remained unhealthy for much of October.

It also pointed to forest fires in Indonesia, exacerbated by the ongoing Super El Niño phenomenon, as among the factors affecting air quality across the region.

Under the resolution, barangays are urged to monitor and document open burning incidents while educating residents on proper waste segregation, recycling and disposal.

The council emphasized that lasting solutions require community participation, reliable waste collection services and close coordination between barangays and government agencies.

The measure reinforces existing responsibilities under Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which assigns barangays the responsibility of handling the segregation and collection of biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes. The law also prohibits the open burning of solid waste.

The city government's initiative comes amid continuing efforts to strengthen environmental protection and public health standards in Cebu City.

Local officials have repeatedly reminded residents of the dangers of improper waste disposal, particularly open burning, which remains a concern in some communities despite national laws prohibiting the practice.

The resolution also cited the 1987 Constitution, which recognizes the people's right to a balanced and healthful ecology, as well as the Local Government Code and the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, which mandate local government units to protect public health and promote sound environmental management.

Copies of the approved resolution will be furnished to the Office of the City Mayor, all barangay captains in Cebu City and other concerned offices for appropriate action and guidance. — FPL (CEBU NEWS)