Scavengers search for things that they can use or sell from garbage dumped by a Cebu City garbage truck at the Inayawan landfill. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
A Cebu City councilor is turning to the town of San Francisco, Camotes, in northern Cebu for information and insights that could provide ‘long-term” solutions to the issues arising from the reopening of the Inayawan landfill in the city.
“Segregation is indeed possible. I’ve personally seen residents in Barangay San Isidro, San Francisco and they really segregate their waste,” said Councilor Joel Garganera, who visited the dumpsite of Camotes Islands in Sitio Manggahan, Barangay San Isidro yesterday.
Garganera, who heads the committee of environment, said the islands’ sole dumpsite observed segregation of waste, separating plastic materials from biodegradable ones.
“The municipality of Camotes can comply with Republic Act 9003 (Solid Waste Management Act), why don’t we also do it? You know what, it’s not only about the law but also the mindset of the people. We should also encourage everyone to do their own segregating at home,” he said.
Former San Francisco Al Arquillano accompanied Garganera during his visit to the Camotes dumpsite.
“We chose to visit and collect information in San Francisco because they are recognized by award-giving bodies for their efforts not only in complying RA 9003 but also for accomplishing zero-waste,” stated Garganera.
San Francisco town has been recognized by the Cebu Provincial government, during Arquillano’s term as mayor, as the “Cleanest and Greenest municipality in Cebu” in 2008, 2009 and 2010.