P1-M prize awaits top barangay in waste management

A million pesos awaits the barangay with the best and most efficient eco-waste management system in a contest open to all 42,000 barangays nationwide.

The National Ecological Solid Waste Management Commission (NESWMC) and Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP), the principal organizers of the contest said the search would be formally launched on Oct. 18 at the compound of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Several multi-sectoral groups have joined hands in the search for a model barangay with the best success story in waste management.

Apart from promoting cleanliness in the barangay level, the contest also aims to heighten public awareness and compliance with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Odette Alcantara of the EDNP said the contest is basically patterned after the system adapted by Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

"The Quezon City government used to spend P900 million for garbage collection and disposal management, but when Mayor Belmonte improved the solid waste management system, the local government saved P400 million, or half of the budget for garbage," Alcantara said.

Alcantara, who is a resident of Barangay Blue Ridge in Quezon City, said the local government, through Belmonte, returned to their barangay a total of P250,000 in savings.

"If every barangay is taught proper eco-waste management, savings could be converted into other livelihood programs," Alcantara said.

Contest organizers are encouraging barangay leaders to educate constituents to segregate garbage at home, keeping in mind "SSS," or Start Sorting Source.

"The noble goal is barangay empowerment through people participation," Alcantara said. "Imagine 42,000 empowered barangays, it would surely be an unshakable foundation for a strong republic on the way to economic recovery — from pesos in savings from avoidable disposal costs and earnings from renewed and recycled resources."

The barangay with the highest rating of five stars, equivalent to 900 points, will win a cash prize of P1 million and a gold trophy; the second placer gets P500,000 and a silver trophy (four stars, 800 points); third placer gets P250,000 (three stars, 650 points); fourth placer gets P100,000 (two stars, 500 points); and the fifth placer gets P50,000 (one star, 350 points). All barangays that qualify with 100 points will receive a certificate of merit.