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[av_heading heading=’ ABOVE THE LAW ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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Wednesday. September 13, 2017
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SOME of you had the chance to experience that feeling of treading on miles of baby powder and indulging the tropical party lifestyle. Usually, we experience this kind of feeling every summer.
I had an advance summer getaway last week. I had the chance to visit Boracay Island in the third quarter of the year. Of course, it was business as usual. I am writing this column not to discuss the island life itself but what I have witnessed and read a few weeks ago in the newspaper.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was keeping a close watch on the local government unit (LGU) assigned to address the garbage problems in Boracay Island. The issue was about the mixed waste dumped in the materials recovery facility located in the island. DENR urged the LGU to properly observe waste segregation especially that the island is a tourist destination.
Based on what the DENR said, the LGU may face charges for violation of Republic Act 90003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. How can this law address waste management not only in Boracay Island but also in other places?
This law provides for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanism and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefore, and for other purposes.
Additionally, the law provides for solid waste management as a discipline implemented for everyone to adhere. Activities done under this law are conducted in accord with the best principle of public health economics, conservations, aesthetics, and public attitudes.
For me, the implementation of this law is a big help to our environment. It is hard to kill bad habits. With this law, we will have comprehensive waste management – proper segregation, source reduction, specific strategies when it comes to collection and transportation of solid waste, and recycling programs.
As what I can see, a lot of our LGUs are helping one another follow the process provided by law. And Boracay Island is one of these. It may not be “perfect” at this time but the place still deserves to be complimented and to be called one of the best.
Humans contribute much in waste management. Recognizing the effects of improper management can be prevented by practicing waste characterization and segregation as mandated by law.
Let us all help manage our solid waste for the benefit of everybody.
(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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