DENR shuts down two dumpsites in Cebu, Bohol

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas has issued closure orders of two open dumpsites in the region.

These open dumpsites are located in the towns of Carmen in Cebu and Guindulman in Bohol.

The orders emphasized that the closure of the dumpsite means that it will not anymore be allowed to accept disposal of any type of.

It said that the concerned local government units have long been advised to conduct immediate rehabilitation of the area following the general guideline stipulated in the Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan (SCRP) of open dumpsite and controlled dump facilities stipulated in Department Administrative Order No. 9 series of 2006.

Since 2018, EMB-7 said it has continually communicated with the LGU of Carmen wherein the first order issued was in March 2018 and another letter was sent last March 2020 reiterating the closure of its dumpsite and resubmission of their SCRP but still to no avail.

Meanwhile, on March 3, 2020, a Semi-Annual Compliance Report was sent to the municipality of Guindulman directing them to immediately cease and desist from operating its dumpsite and further directing it to implement its SCRP.

On April 1, 2020, follow-up inspection was conducted by EMB-7.

During that inspection, EMB-7 found out that it still continues to operate its dumpsite and no closure and rehabilitation undertakings has been conducted despite the cease and desist order issued by the office.

“Sufficient time has been given to the respondent by EMB-7 but unfortunately, the respondent failed and continued to ignore the CDO issued,” it said.

During the said closure activities simultaneously done yesterday, EMB-7 said that both LGUs have been very cooperative and expressed to work together with DENR-7 for the establishment of a comprehensive solid waste management (SWM) in their community as stipulated in Republic Act 9003.

Open dumpsites have been prohibited by law after the passage of R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Landfills remain the primary long-term method of solid waste disposal allowed under the law.

Before the actual closure of the dumpsite in Carmen, DENR-7 officials had a meeting with Mayor Carlo Villamor and some of his department heads wherein the contents of the CDO were thoroughly discussed as well as the current status of SWM in the said town.

It was also discussed during the meeting the possible options for proper disposal and next steps to be taken to be able to comply with the DENR mandates.

The closure done at Carmen was participated by EMB-7 Regional Director Lormelyn Claudio and her team, DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Paquito Melicor Jr. and representatives of the PENRO and CENRO.

EMB-7 pledged to provide technical assistance to both LGUs as they try to manage their municipal wastes comprehensively and properly adhering to the DENR standards.

Further, a series of education campaigns will be conducted in the coming days to enhance cooperation from the public on proper waste segregation from the household source. — GMR (FREEMAN)