ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — Garbage traders in Tablas Island in Romblon were given assistance by the Romblon provincial government, citing their important role in environmental protection.
Recently, Governor Jose Riano led in the distribution of “garong” and “padyak” to their identified first 13 waste trader beneficiaries, of whom 10 were recipients of garong and 3 for padyak.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to support waste management and improve the livelihoods of small-scale waste traders on the island.
“Garong” is a locally made pushcart commonly used for transporting recyclables while “padyak” is pedal-powered tricycle.
During a short program held in Romblon, Romblon, Engr. Dace Familaran of the Romblon Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) emphasized these traders’ vital role in environmental conservation through proper waste management.
“We believe that waste traders significantly contribute to environmental protection by managing waste properly,” Familaran stated.
The project, funded by the Provincial Government under the 2024 Gender and Development Fund, aims to enhance the income and economic resilience of small-scale garbage traders of Tablas Island by providing necessary resources, training, and support.
“The program aims to increase the income and economic stability of small-scale waste traders on Tablas Island by providing them with necessary resources, training, and support,” Familaran added.
In addition to the “garong,” the provincial government also distributed “padyak,” or pedal-powered tricycles, to a few beneficiaries.
He said that due to limited funding, ENRO conducted thorough validation and assessment of all association members, selecting the beneficiaries based on their socio-economic status and level of need.
ENRO hopes to extend this project to the islands of Romblon and Sibuyan next year, further expanding its reach and impact on the local waste management system. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
