To minimize garbage on Sinulog: 50 eco-stations to be installed

CEBU, Philippines — Around 50 eco-stations will be put up along the Sinulog route and other nearby areas in the hope of minimizing the garbage thrown anywhere during the observance of the Fiesta Señor.

Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) came up with this scheme in order to ensure the cleanliness of the city despite the influx of devotees.

The said eco-stations are made up of tents wherein the public can see four garbage receptacles labeled with a corresponding type of waste which includes biodegradable, non-biodegradable, residual and special waste.

This year's CCENRO’s garbage operation for Sinulog dubbed “Basura Watch 2018” focuses on educating the public to throw their garbage to the proper trash bins.

There are 221 Barangay Environmental Officers and volunteers that would issue citation tickets to people who throw their garbage anywhere.

CCENRO Head Nida Cabrera said violators will pay a fine of P500. If the violators cannot pay the fine, they will be obliged to do community service by picking trash scattered at the streets.

Earlier, the CCENRO team distributed flyers to the public about the segregation policy.

Cabrera said that in 2016, business establishments in the city have been doing the segregation policy already.

Anna Marie Gabigas of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce Inc.  urges the business owners to follow the segregation scheme of the city.

In a separate interview, Department of Public Services Head Roberto "Bob" Cabarrubias said this year, they are expecting that there is a decrease of collected trash after the grand parade considering that there are eco-stations.

Last year, the DPS collected at least 155 tons of garbage along the Sinulog route.

However,  Cabarrubias could not yet give estimates as to how many tons will be decreased with the installation of eco-stations.

Tony Galon, founder of five pieces daily habit, said they are working with the city government in order to reduce the tons of garbage dump to the final disposal site.

Ken Rondell Pajaya, Senior Environment Management Specialist of the Solid Waste Management Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office-7, said they helped the city government conceptualize with the Sinulog Basura Watch.

Meanwhile, 142 street cleaners will be deployed after the grand parade from 6 p. m to 6 a. m. to clean the streets. (FREEMAN)