Aventajado lauds NGOs work in waste reduction

Secretary Roberto Aventajado said government partnership with non-government organizations (NGOs) is likely to solve the garbage problem, particularly in Metro Manila, as he lauded the work of NGOs in waste reduction, segregation, recycling and composting.

"There is a great comfort working with the NGOs as they are committed and they practice what they preach. With some assistance from the government, I believe that they can turn out to be the best partners of government in solving the waste problem in any community, and specially in a megacity like Metro Manila," said Aventajado in a speech before the San Juan Pinaglabanan Jaycees at Bahay Pangarap in Malacañang Park Friday.

Aventajado is chairman of the Greater Metro Manila Solid Waste Management Committee, the agency charged with formulating a solid waste management plan for Metro Manila and eight adjoining provinces. He is also chairman of the presidential committee on flagship programs and projects.

He disclosed that in celebration of Earth Day next month, waste redemption centers would be opened in 12 pilot areas in Metro Manila. No less than President Estrada will preside over the ceremonies in Malacañang.

"One thing I have learned in government is that if you want your program or project to succeed, it is best to involve the NGOs from the onset as it is better that they are on your side rather than on the other side," he said. "All it needs are doses of patience and a lot of hard work, but done this way, the fruits can be rewarding."

Aventajado cited the work of Linis Ganda Foundation, a federation of 572 junk shops all over Metro Manila, as an example of how NGOs can help promote recycling and at the same time provide livelihood.

Organized in 1983, Linis Ganda eco-aides go around the metropolis with carts buying recyclable materials from households. Last year they collected 95,569 tons of recyclable materials, accounting for 4.3 percent of Metro Manila's daily garbage output of 6,000 tons.

Their total purchases amounted to P124 million, providing income and livelihood to foundation members.

A three-pronged approach has been developed to tackle the solid waste problem:

* To intensify programs on waste reduction, segregation, recycling and composting;

* To encourage alternative technologies provided they are environmentally sound and affordable;

* To set up a sanitary landfill to serve as a catch-all facility for waste that cannot be recycled or processed by the second approach.

Of Metro Manila's daily garbage output of 6,100 tons, only 2,000 tons, or 33 percent of the total to the new sanitary landfill to be built within the year to replace the San Mateo landfill, Aventajado said.

The balance of 4,000 tons, or 67 percent, will be handled by programs on waste reduction, segregation, recycling and composting.

"We are challenging and supporting NGOs to bring up their level of coverage and efficiency to process as much as 67 percent of our solid waste," he said. "However, until that level is achieved over time, we have the alternative technologies and, as a catch-all facility, we have the sanitary landfill to rely on."