By Maroe T. Genosa/PNA
BATANGAS CITY — Garbage trucks configured with compartmentalized sections for collected solid wastes are roving around the city’s 18 villages to intensify enforcement and awareness on Republic Act 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000” and the City Environment Code.
Joyce Cantre, chief of the city’s General Services Department (GSD), said the truck has partitions for biodegrable and non-biodegradable wastes as collectors stuff the segregated garbage into the truck and refuse to accept unsegregated ones.
Cantre said the strategy aims to instill awareness among residents in the 18 villages on waste segregation not only in observance this January as “Zero Waste Month” but also in promoting the culture of cleanliness and upkeep in their homes and villages.
She said the trucks are also covered to avoid spilling garbage on roads and streets during collection.
As part of engaging the communities, the city government has been holding its series of assemblies on Solid Waste Management starting with the 18 barangays under the Cluster Solid East in Barangay Tulo last January 22.
City officials assessed that through the formation of the Barangay Solid Waste Management Board, the villagers have started complying with the city environment code on waste segregation policy and establishment of the Integrated Materials Recovery Facility.