CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) — The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in Catarman, Northern Samar recently held an orientation on the salient provisions of the Solid Waste Management Act, or RA 9003.
Mayor Antet Rosales proactively supported the orientation by educating the people on the segregation and maintenance of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The discussion revolved around regulating and managing the disposal of plastic waste in the municipality.
“We are finding ways to provide the necessary facilities; let us continue to educate our residents and business establishments on the importance of proper solid waste management, especially in practicing segregation at the household level. Again, we urge the barangays to do their tasks as mandated in RA 9003,” Rosales said.
The Catarman Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) staff recently visited small and large business establishments to remind them about the No Segregation, No Collection Policy. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that all establishments followed the area's policy. (Photo: PIA Northern Samar)
According to the report, in January 2004, Catarman collected approximately 1.2 million kilos of garbage. Due to this significant volume of waste, a thermal decomposition machine is proposed for acquisition.
This device uses high-temperature and vacuum environments to pyrolyze waste. It can process 4 to 5 tons of solid waste daily, costing around P25 million. As a result, the local chief executive will explore options to secure funds to purchase the required machine.
The orientation further discussed implementing and enforcing the town's Anti-plastic Ordinance, which prohibits the use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soft drinks, water bottles, and food packaging materials.
During the barangay assembly, the Catarman Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) presented a discussion about the appropriate waste disposal methods and the reorientation of Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. (Photo: PIA Northern Samar)
Catarman takes pride in its sanitary landfill, equipped with a range of waste management equipment, including a glass bottle crusher, rotary composter, gasifier, and plastic shredder.
These tools, managed by the MENRO, have enabled us to produce eco-bricks and compost, showcasing the province's commitment to sustainable waste management.
Another initiative the municipality has launched is a year-round initiative known as the "Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay," which recognizes barangays that have successfully implemented solid waste management practices. (AND, PIA Northern Samar)
During a session at the Liga ng mga Barangay hall in Catarman, Northern Samar, Jay-ar Lim, Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), announced the search for the cleanest and greenest Barangay in 2024. (Photo: PIA Northern Samar)
