CAPAS, Tarlac, Philippines – Residents of Barangay Kalangitan are apprehensive over the reported plan of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to bring Metro Manila’s garbage at the sanitary landfill here.
Bayani Sumaoang, a tribal council leader from the Aeta Aberling tribe said he learned that at least 150 truckloads of garbage will be dumped at the Kalangitan sanitary landfill here.
He expressed concern that the additional waste will pose more threat to the environment and health of the people living near the landfill.
Garbage in the 18 towns of this province and other parts of Pampanga and recently Baguio City's waste, are being dumped here.
However, Sumaoang said some residents also welcome the planned dumping of Metro Manila’s garbage here, as it would translate to additional income to them.
The community near the landfill has set-up a multi-purpose cooperative with more than 100 members.
Cooperative members are sorting out recyclable materials and earn as much as P800 for three days of work.