3 QC barangays make DENR list in ecology tilt

Three barangays in Quezon City have made it to the list of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in its nationwide "Search for Model Barangay for Eco-Waste Management," besting 181 other qualified barangays in the final evaluation.

Barangays Bagumbuhay in Project 4, Holy Spirit in Commonwealth, and Philam Homes Subdivision on West Avenue were included in the list of 35 barangays currently being deliberated upon by a team of validators for the selection of the top five barangays with the most efficient solid waste management program.

"This search is not a contest but a self-rating system reflecting the barangay’s achievements in utilizing effective means to reduce the garbage generated in their respective areas," DENR Secretary Elisea Gozun said.

The Ecology Center in Bagumbuhay, which began with an initial budget appropriation of only P45,000, shaped the consciousness for proper waste management practices in the community. It was also instrumental in establishing an Urban Gardening Project that showcased the benefits of organic fertilizers collected from the center. Various government agencies and private companies continue to purchase the organic fertilizer.

Holy Spirit has set up a Waste Management Office responsible in the scheduling and monitoring of garbage collections. It also has a Bayanihan Redemption Center for its waste segregation and recycling; launched the Kariton Pangkabuhayan project as a livelihood campaign for out of school youths and the elderly; and conducted periodic seminars and training on Zero Waste Management to the street level.

Philam Homes Subdivision has set up an Ecology Center where biodegradable wastes are disposed and a Zero Waste Management Committee for the effective implementation of waste management in the community. The subdivision has a waste generation rate of three kilograms per household per day, or 1,920 kilograms of garbage daily. However, with its waste management efforts, only 52 percent is collected as most are biodegradable while the rest are recyclable, hazardous or disposable.

Over 500 barangays participated in the search and only 181 of them qualified for the final evaluation. Those that qualified were further trimmed down to 35 barangays. The search was launched in October last year and is a follow-through activity to the National Conference on Ecological Solid Waste Management held in April 2003.

The top barangays will be given recognition by President Arroyo in a ceremony at Heroes Hall in Malacañang on Monday.

The DENR said President Arroyo provided P1 million and trophies for the winners. Senators Francis Pangilinan and Manuel Villar, who also contributed to the prize money, will be joining the award rites.

The grand winner will receive P1 million; P500,000 for 2nd; P250,000 for 3rd; P100,000 for 4th; and P50,000 for 5th.

Other finalists from the NCR are Barangay Forbes Park in Makati City; Pamplona 2 in Las Piñas and Ugong in Pasig.