Close all dumps by March – Cimatu

MANILA, Philippines — Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has ordered the closure of all dumps in the country by the end of March.

In his speech during a dialogue with solid waste stakeholders yesterday, Cimatu said regional directors of the Environmental Management Bureau have been directed to ensure the closure of these dumps.

Records at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that 195 dumps are still operating in the country, mostly in Western Visayas, Mimaropa, Central Visayas, Bicol and Davao.

Data from the DENR also show that there are 189 sanitary landfills in the country.

Calabarzon has the most number of sanitary landfills at 36; Cagayan Valley, 35; Ilocos, 33; Northern Mindanao, 18, and Central Visayas, 15.

DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units’ Concerns Benny Antiporda said 38 dumps were closed on Monday.

Under Section 37 of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the establishment and maintenance of open dumps are prohibited due to the serious threat posed to the environment and public health.

The DENR vowed to file charges against erring LGUs.