TWG to vet Cebu waste projects

CEBU, Philippines — Any proposed solid waste management policies, programs, projects and investments in Cebu will have to undergo technical evaluation by the Technical Working Group (TWG) created by the Cebu Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (CPSWMB).

The TWG was established through CPSWMB Resolution No. 2026-02, adopted on Aug. 19, 2026, to provide technical and advisory support to the board and its Executive Committee.

"The Technical Working Group shall serve as the technical and advisory arm of the CPSWMB," reads a portion of the resolution.

The group is tasked with evaluating proposed ecological solid waste management initiatives before they are considered by the CPSWMB,ensuring that technical assessments and recommendations are available for the board’s consideration.

The resolution anchors the TWG’s work on Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, its implementing rules and regulations, and other applicable environmental laws.

It will provide expertise in technical, scientific, engineering, environmental, planning, legal, financial and administrative matters related to solid waste management.

However, the resolution clarified that the TWG will not exercise policy-making or executive authority. Its role is to provide “technical recommendations, analyses, studies, and advisory support” to assist the CPSWMB and its Executive Committee in making informed decisions.

Among its duties is the preparation of technical studies, policy briefs, position papers, engineering assessments, feasibility studies and technical recommendations for the board.

The TWG will also assist in preparing, updating, implementing and monitoring the Provincial Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan.

It will review and evaluate the ecological solid waste management plans of local government units (LGUs) and provide technical recommendations to the CPSWMB and concerned LGUs.

The group will also conduct technical monitoring, compliance assessments, inspections and performance evaluations of ecological solid waste management programs implemented by component cities and municipalities.

"Conduct technical monitoring, compliance assessments, inspections, and performance evaluations of ecological solid waste management programs implemented by component cities and municipalities," it reads.

It will consolidate and analyze technical data on waste generation, waste diversion, collection efficiency, recycling rates, Materials Recovery Facilities, composting facilities, sanitary landfill operations and other relevant indicators.

The TWG will also recommend appropriate technologies, systems and best practices for waste reduction, segregation, recycling, composting, collection, transfer, treatment and final disposal consistent with RA 9003.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) will serve as chairperson, while the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) will serve as vice chairperson.

Members will come from various provincial government offices, including the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), Provincial Budget Office (PBO), Provincial Legal Office (PLO), Provincial Information Office (PIO), Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

The TWG will also include representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, an accredited environmental NGO, the recycling or waste management industry, and the academe.

The PENRO will serve as the TWG secretariat and handle its technical and administrative requirements, including records, meeting documents, action-item monitoring, technical reports and coordination among members and partner agencies.- FPL (CEBU NEWS)