EMB-7 recently ordered the closure of the dumpsite in Barangay Luyang in Carmen town. | CDN Digital File Photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Environment Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7) is determined to close all open dumpsites in the region before March 2021 ends in compliance with the directive of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.
Cimatu gave emphasis on the need to already close all open dumpsites in the country in compliance with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 during the 20th anniversary celebration of Negros Oriental province which he attended last January 26, 2021.
“This is my directive to them (EMB): All open dumpsites must be closed by the end of March this year,” the secretary had said.
In a statement, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) warned local government units (LGUs) in the region that will continue to operate their open dumpsites of the issuance of a cease and desist order.
Earlier, EMB-7 issued cease and desist order against the municipalities of Carmen in northern Cebu and Guindulman located on the western side of Bohol province for operating open dumpsites.
READ: Open dumpsite in Carmen, Cebu closed down
At the same time, EMB-7 continues to engage with the different LGUs in Negros Oriental through its “Capacity Development on Environmental Laws and LGUs’ Compliance to RA 9003,” a series of forum that will end this Saturday, January 30.
During the said seminar, financial mechanism schemes were presented to LGU representatives to give them ideas on how they can comprehensively establish their solid waste management facilities.
Furthermore, private waste management service providers were also allowed to offer their technologies to provide LGUs with options on how to manage especially the household wastes.
EMB-7 expressed hope that with their continuous engagement, LGUs will be able to redefine their solid waste management plans and choose a more sustainable solid waste management system that will fit their needs. / dcb