Garbage Problem in The Philippines

The problem is not new and everywhere in the Philippines:

CdeO garbage woes may drive investors away

By 

PAMELA JAY F. ORIAS

(Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro's File Photo)

WITH the garbage situation in Cagayan de Oro city getting worst, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI–Oro Chamber) fears the city may lose its prospective investments if this problem remains unattended.

Cerael Donggay, president of Oro Chamber, said the City Local Environment and Natural Resources (Clenro) has sought for the chamber's help regarding the waste disposal problem.

"Naa ta'y gipang-assign diha to manage and recommend solutions, we are working with them," said Donggay.

Donggay urged the City Council to approve appropriate budget for development projects saying, "If they have a problem or issue with themselves, people's welfare should not be at stake. Budget should be released for infrastructure, solid waste management, traffic congestion solutions and many other pressing issues sa city."

He added that these problems including garbage may eventually cause loss of investments for the city.

Meanwhile, environment advocates are dismayed with the City Government for its continuing neglect of the garbage problem in the city.

“Cagayan de Oro is very dirty, dirty talaga, nanghihinayang ako,” said lawyer Normita Batula, executive director of Balaod Mindanaw.

She said the situation does not reflect a developed and successful city.

"To be fair, there are areas na malinis naman pero pag dumaan ka sa areas na yun nang umaga, ang dumi talaga. There has to be a proper dumpsite here," Batula said.

Batula cited that Solid Waste Management must be enforced and make each citizen responsible to segregate waste. “But, the waste collection is the duty of the City Government.”

She urged the local officials lack the political will to implement policies on proper waste disposal adding that if these officials have it, “They can use it to develop other ways to lessen the garbage produced every day in the city.”

She also raised the non-observance of the city ordinance regulating the distribution of plastic bags and requiring establishments additional charge from customers asking for the plastic bags.

A penalty amounting to P5,000 and suspension or cancellation of business can be imposed by violators.

"LGUs clearly do not observe this ordinance obviously, daghan kaayo tay plastic sa palibot."

Batula added that strong coordination between residents and the local government will help lessen the problem.

"It's about time we move and really do something about this," she said.

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on July 26, 2015.

Mount Apo Threatened by Garbage Left by Climbers

The country's highest peak is being threatened by irresponsible mountain climbers, who have left tons of garbage as found out during a recent clean up drive by tourism and environment officials there, as one could learn from a PNA-report.

Joey Recimilla, chair of the Protected Area Management Board committee on eco-tourism, said the bad habit of Mt. Apo climbers that destroys the natural beauty of the country's highest peak must be stopped.

"We collected 2.6 tons of garbage during our three-days clean-up drive!" Recimilla said. "This is total disregard of our desire to maintain the flora and fauna of the national park healthy," he added. Recimilla, also Kidapawan City tourism chief, said he was saddened to find out non biodegradbale materials littered along various trails and even at the ppeak of Mount Apo.

Common among the garbage collected were candy wrappers, cellophane, empty plastic water bottles, sanitary napkins an cigarette butts. All things who will destroy the forest and the complete surroundings of Mt. Apo.

For me, living in Mindanao for good: it's distressing indeed!