'Zero-Basura' program

President Estrada formally launched yesterday the "Zero-Basura" Philippines Movement Management Program under the government's Eco-Waste initiative through a TV info-ad campaign starred in by his former colleagues in the move industry.

The launching ceremonies, held at Malacañang, coincided with the worldwide observance of Earth Day which promotes programs and activities to protect the global environment against abuse and degradation such as wanton discharge of garbage and other wastes.

The President viewed the one-minute info-ad with showbiz personalities Albert Martinez, Margie Moran and Gloria Diaz, Chin-chin Gutierrez Lani Mercado and Roy Alvarez in the cast.

Mr. Estrada thanked his former movie colleagues for helping the government promote proper waste disposal, waste segregation, recycling and other cleaner methods of garbage disposal.

Also yesterday, President Estrada announced his approval of P64-million as additional budget this year for the Greater Metro Manila Solid Waste Management Committee which he created last year to come up with and implement a workable solid waste management program for the entire metropolis and its surrounding provinces.

The Committee headed by Presidential Flagship Project chairman Robert Aventajado presented to President Estrada plans for solid waste management projects which include public bidding this June for a sanitary landfill through a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) scheme.

Aventajado told the President that 17 companies have expressed interest in the bidding which starts the process of finally closing down the controversial open dumpsite in San Mateo, Rizal where most of Metro Manila's solid wastes are being dumped until December this year.

He explained the sanitary landfill project will be offered to the private sector since the fund-strapped government cannot undertake such a capital-intensive undertaking.