New Baguio mayor vows environmental protection as one of priorities as city gov’t appeals to residents to manage waste following Irisan dumpsite closure

THE LOCAL government of Baguio issued an appeal to households and businesses “to find ways to manage their biodegradable wastes” following the cease and desist order (CDO) against the operation of the city’s Irisan open dumpsite. “We are requesting our residents to find ways to manage their biodegradable wastes by way of composting if there is space, if none we have to collect. We are asking the cooperation of our citizenry most specially our businessmen in the market to help reduce or manage their bio wastes,” Eugene Buyucan, head of the General Services Office (CSO), is quoted in a post on the city government’s official Facebook page. “We are hoping that the closure will be lifted as soon as possible so that we will be back to normal collection,” he added. The 5.2-hectare dumpsite, which was already ordered closed by the National Solid Waste Management Commission in 2012, was issued a CDO following a visit to the site last week by Undersecretary Benny D. Antiporda of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Mr. Antiporda said the order will be in effect pending the local government’s explanation of non-compliance to the closure order and the submission of a Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan as required under Republic Act No. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Meanwhile, newly-elected Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, in his speech during his oath-taking ceremony Sunday, listed “Revitalizing the environment” as the number two priority of his three-year administration. Among Mr. Magalong’s marching orders were: “For CEPMO (City Environment and Parks Management Office) and GSO, in coordination with DENR, to immediately undertake inspection of establishments and other structures to ensure compliance with environmental laws and ordinances. Violators will be dealt with accordingly.” The new mayor, a retired police general, called on all sectors to help achieve a “better Baguio.” He said, “Together, we can and we will efficiently and effectively govern Baguio with a breath of fresh air.”