SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged local government units (LGUs) in the Ilocos Region to intensify their compliance with Republic Act No. 9003 (RA 9003), the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, emphasizing its critical role in protecting public health and preserving the environment.
On Jan. 6, 2025, the DENR issued a public advisory urging residents nationwide to uphold proper solid waste disposal practices, highlighting that collective action is essential to ensuring cleaner and healthier communities.
In an official statement, the DENR reiterated that RA 9003 requires LGUs to develop and implement solid waste management (SWM) plans approved by the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC).
The law also mandates penalties for non-compliance under Presidential Decree No. 825 (PD 825), which penalizes improper waste disposal and other unclean practices.
Regional compliance status
As of January 2025, the NSWMC reported significant progress in SWM compliance among LGUs in the Ilocos Region:
- Ilocos Norte: Achieved full compliance, with all 23 LGUs securing NSWMC approval for their SWM plans.
- La Union: Also attained 100 percent compliance, with all LGUs having approved plans.
- Ilocos Sur: 31 out of 34 LGUs have met the standards, reflecting a compliance rate of approximately 91 percent.
- Pangasinan: 29 out of 48 LGUs received approval, indicating a compliance rate of about 60 percent.
Despite these advancements, the DENR emphasized the need for full compliance across all regional provinces.
“The DENR would like to reemphasize the vital importance of effective waste management in safeguarding public health and protecting our environment on the part of local government units. The Department stands ready to provide technical assistance to LGUs so that they can fulfill their tasks and obligations,” the agency stated.
Penalties for non-compliance
Under RA 9003, LGUs that fail to comply with mandated SWM plans may face sanctions.
Section 50 of RA 9003 authorizes the National Solid Waste Management Commission to recommend the issuance of a writ of mandamus by the appropriate court to compel non-compliant LGUs to implement their SWM plans.
Additionally, Section 52 provides for administrative sanctions against government officials who fail to comply with and enforce rules and regulations promulgated relative to the Act. These sanctions may include suspension or removal from office at the discretion of the disciplining authority.
Support and collaboration
The DENR has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting LGUs in the Ilocos Region through technical support, capacity-building programs, and public-private partnerships. These efforts promote an integrated and sustainable approach to solid waste management.
The NSWMC continues to monitor the implementation of approved SWM plans and is prepared to take enforcement actions against non-compliant LGUs, including administrative penalties or criminal cases.
The DENR also urged neighboring LGUs to collaborate on regional waste management initiatives, such as joint recycling programs and shared landfill facilities.
Emphasizing public participation
The DENR called on residents of the Ilocos Region to actively participate in waste management efforts. Practices such as waste segregation at source, minimizing waste generation, and joining community cleanup drives are essential to reducing the burden on LGU-managed facilities and minimizing environmental risks.
“The success of solid waste management depends not only on local governments but also on the collective action of every citizen. Together, we can achieve a cleaner and healthier Ilocos Region for future generations,” the DENR added.
The DENR has set a target for all LGUs in the Ilocos Region to comply with RA 9003 by the end of 2025.
Ramil Samonte, a resident of San Juan, La Union, shared his perspective on the performance of the DENR and LGU San Juan in managing solid waste.
“I’ve noticed improvements in waste collection in our area, but there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially in educating people about proper segregation. The efforts of our LGU are commendable,” he added.
The agency has also launched a series of workshops and consultations aimed at addressing challenges faced by LGUs in implementing their SWM plans.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to learn more about RA 9003 and other relevant policies by visiting the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) website at emb.gov.ph. (AMB/CCMT/AIHR, PIA Region 1)
