In this zero-waste declared month of January, a war on waste is looming between the cities of Cebu and Talisay. Cebu City Mayor Rama recently closed the Inayawan dumpsite (I refuse to call it a landfill as it has been an open dumpsite for the longest time). Now, he is negotiating with the Talisay City mayor so that the Cebu City residents’ garbage will be deposited forever in another open dumpsite – this time operated by the Talisay LGU.
Some sectors, including the vice mayor of Talisay, naturally resist the alleged proposal. “Not in our backyard” is the strong message. Who wants, after all, to host more foul-smelling, disease-harboring mixed wastes emanating from one’s neighbor?
It is a cause for alarm that the open dumpsite is reportedly situated in our watershed area which is, in fact, a protected area called the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL). As the danger of contamination to our water sources is a clear possibility, the charter distinctly prohibits the dumping of non-biodegradable wastes in whatever form.
What is the action of the Protected Area Management Board of the CCPL in this continuing state of defilement of our laws and our ecosystems, in an ecologically-critical area at that?
Operating an open dumpsite is not only hazardous to our health, it also increases the emission of methane, a climate-change causing greenhouse gas, and is illegal – clearly a violation of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Yet, this pathetic state of impunity has been allowed to continue with hardly a local official held accountable for not seriously respecting the law. This sad state is aggravated by the fact that planning is not prioritized; data, equipment and facilities are inadequate; and monitoring of impacts leaves much to be desired.
Since the law’s enforcement is sporadic at best, citizens do not feel a deep sense of obligation to reduce the use of waste materials, or even segregate the biodegradables and recyclables from those which are not. The result is clear for everyone to see: litter in the streets, waterways and our seas, to the detriment of our health and those of non-humans as well and our very own life sources.
Hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money are wasted for the transport of refuse, tipping fees and human resources in collecting garbage from people who clearly are indifferent which host community will suffer from the throw-away culture.
Why should a single centavo be allowed to be allocated and spent for garbage when doing so perpetuates the haughty and uncaring not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) syndrome, and when doing so allows the perpetuation of the appalling disregard of our laws and the rights of our people? This huge chunk of the budget could have been spent for health, education, protection of the environment, disaster risk reduction and management, livelihood and other noteworthy services.
It is equally alarming that the Talisay LGU is contemplating the installation of a Waste-to-Energy technology. Has this undergone widespread public consultation and awareness on its impacts to the health of the people and the planet? Has the LGU even crafted the Solid Waste Management Plan duly participated by its constituents and approved by the National Solid Waste Management Commission? Has it complied with the law, principles and hierarchy of waste management as spelled out clearly by RA 9003?
We call on the DENR, the DILG, the Ombudsman and even the COA to look at how programs are implemented and funds are expended by LGUs in the implementation of RA 9003. Equally as important, we call on these agencies and institutions to strictly enforce their mandates and unhesitatingly require accountability of those who are clearly defaulting in the performance of their mandates.
If only our institutions are stronger, mechanisms for accountability are in place, and more citizens are asserting not only their right to health, and a healthful and balanced ecology, but to participate in decision-making as programs such as waste management clearly affect them, we would have a better chance of ensuring a sustainable future not only for our children, but for those yet unborn.
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