EMB-7 calls for daily proper waste disposal

CEBU, Philippines — Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-7 Regional Director William Cuñado said that disposing of garbage in the right disposal area should be done all the time and not just during big events such as Sinulog.

This, as the Cebu City government has collected a total of 11 tons of garbage from the 50 eco-stations in this year’s fiesta celebration last January 19 and 20.

To recall, the EMB-7 has partnered with the city government in this endeavor as the nation celebrates the National Zero Waste Month for the month of January.

EMB-7, in a statement, said that out of the 11 tons of solid wastes, 40 percent of these are recyclable materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, cans, among others.

Also, 25 percent are residual wastes, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, while 35 percent are biodegradable wastes, such as food wastes.

It added that of the 10 days deployment of these eco-stations, the Solemn Procession on January 19 and the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 20 generated the largest wastes segregated and collected with a total of 7.2 tons.

"With segregation in place at these eco-stations, 75 percent or 8.25 tons of the 11 tons trash can be diverted and recycled, thus making our environment cleaner," read the statement.

More than 250 personnel from Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office, together with volunteers from EMB-7, Sangguniang Kabataan Foundation, Guun Co. LTD, and other non-government organizations, were deployed to man these eco-stations.

Cuñado thanked the public who cooperated and were responsible enough with their garbage during the celebration of the feast of the Holy Child.

“We hope during the next Sinulog festivities, together with the Cebu City government and other organizations, we can continue this program with added improvements, such as involving companies whose products end-up at these eco-stations to be responsible enough in managing their wastes, ensuring vendors/establishments along the Sinulog route in setting-up their own version of ecostations so that everyone can achieve a zero waste Sinulog festival,” said Cuñado.

He also urged the cities and municipalities in the region to come up with a “No Segregation-No Collection” policy that shall be strictly enforced all the time. (FREEMAN)