LGUs to Get Help for Solid Waste Management Program

Seeking to address solid waste management issues, towns and cities under Cebu Province got the needed shot in the arm after Gov. Hilario P. Davide III gave the green light to the P40-million funding for a garbage disposal program.

Davide backed the proposal presented during the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting yesterday at the Capitol Social Hall.

Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Cesante asked the assistance of the Cebu Provincial Government after he cited the obstacles that towns and cities face in complying with Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law.

“So far only few cities and towns have sanitary landfills. Lack of funds and the high cost of operating the facilities are the reasons LGUs are having a hard time complying with RA 9003,” he said.

Under the law, LGUs are required to replace open dumpsites with sanitary landfills and material recovery or recycling facilities. Non-compliance is a ground for filing of charges against LGU chief executives, with perpetual disqualification from office as part of the penalty.

With some mayors already facing cases before the Office of the Ombudsman, Cesante said the immediate assistance of the Capitol is needed.

Davide will convene the Solid Waste Management Board together with the mayors to discuss more ways to address the problem. Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale agreed with the governor on the need to sit down with the mayors in order to map out needed interventions.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office OIC Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. disclosed that in their 2018 proposed budget, their office has included allocations to help LGUs materialize waste management programs.

Yesterday, the Provincial Government also endorsed its 2018 Annual Investment Program (AIP) amounting to at least P6 billion.

Provincial budget officer Danilo Rodas explained that unlike previous proposals, next year’s AIP consists of the 20 percent Internal Revenue Allotment for development projects, realigned appropriations and the operational expenses and programs of the Capitol.

This is in compliance with new guidelines, which require LGUs to submit budget proposals in the form of an annual investment program, Rodas added.

Previously, only development projects which funding came from the 20 percent IRA share is presented to the PDC for approval.

The PDC also approved the six-year development and investment program outlined in the Provincial Development and Physical Frame Plan.

cebu.gov.ph