The Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) in partnership with the Local Government of Santo Tomas, La Union with support from the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. conducted another learning session on ecological solid waste management at Barangay Damortis on January 24, 2024.

Mr. Celso H. Jucutan, Extension Facilitator of IES discussed the salient features of Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Mr. Jucutan described the impacts of improper waste management to health and environment. He also emphasized the roles of the barangay in enforcing the law including the organization of Solid Waste Management Committee, establishment and operations of Material Recovery Facility and environmental education among others. Further, he reminded everyone to practice segregation-at-source at all times, refrain from using single-user plastics, bring their own reusable bags, gather all recyclables and sell them to junkshops, properly dispose hazardous wastes such as busted lamps, avoid burning wastes, and dispose residual wastes following the prescribed collection schedule of the municipality.

In addition, Ms. Vanessa Cornell of JVOFI shared the background and objectives of the INSPIRE Project as well as the activities undertaken to promote good environmental governance along the coastal areas of La Union.

Morever, Mr. Roy Arongat , Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) encouraged the participants to practice segregation-at-source and to bring out their garbages only during the scheduled day of collection. He also asked them to pay on time the necessary solid waste management fee to support the community implementation of RA 9003.

In response, Punong Barangay Roel C. Aquitana of Damortis committed to mobilize the barangay officials and stakeholders in promoting cleanliness and sanitation in their barangay.

After the orientation, reading materials on SWM were distributed to the participants.

This initiative is part of the IES Extension Project entitled “Professor in the Barangay: Sustainable Waste Management through Community-based Engagements in Santo Tomas, La Union”.