Mayor Benjamin Magalong noted a improvement in city residents’ discipline in managing their wastes but said it is still wanting for a truly clean and orderly city.
“Compared to the previous years, we have seen a big improvement in the way people dispose of their garbage lately. I know that it cannot be done overnight and we are happy that people are slowly but surely adopting a change of mindset,” he said.
He however added more needs to be done if the city wants to achieve its dream of clean and orderly city, noting the city’s experience with Typhoon Egay where flooding incidents were once again experienced due to waste materials that clogged drainage inlets, canals, and other waterways.
“Sadly despite our constant reminders, there are still irresponsible people who have no care for their environment. I hope we will all learn discipline and be conscientious of how our careless attitude has been affecting the entire city and our fellow residents,” he said.
General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan said barangays have always been reminded of the waste management protocol during typhoons or rainy days.
In anticipation of the typhoons or heavy rains, barangay heads should advise residents not to bring out their garbage and instead keep them properly wrapped and stored within their premises to avoid being scattered or carried by floodwaters into the streets and waterways.
Buyucan said the garbage will be picked up as soon as the weather condition improves and immediate coordination will be made with the barangay officials before the pick-up schedule.
He said garbage collection during bad weather is suspended for the protection of garbage collectors and waste pickers.
He said this usually results in backlogs in the collection but they immediately work them out as soon as they can.
Buyucan appealed for cooperation from residents in practicing proper waste disposal and segregation and in following the schedule of bringing out of their garbage as well as the protocol during inclement weather.
“Let’s do our part and not leave all the work to our garbage collectors. They are working hard but it would not be enough if we ourselves are not cooperating. Our garbage collectors deserve some dignity and they need our help,” he said.
Buyucan’s latest estimate on waste production was at least half a kilo of refuse daily for each person or a daily total of 400 tons. Of the total, 170 to 175 tons are hauled out to the engineered sanitary landfill outside the city.
The GSO only has around 60 waste collectors in its plantilla who are only augmented by some 140 volunteer pickers.
He said regular waste management protocol of the city provides that barangay officials ensure wastes are properly segregated and the collection points are cleaned after collection. They must also ensure the designated collection time is followed and that the collection of left out wastes is coordinated with the GSO. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
