At the heart of celebrating January as “Zero Waste Month” under the Republic Act 9003, also known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000,” lies a remarkable commitment of Barangay Caparispisan in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

This small but determined community has etched its name as a champion in the implementation of RA 9003 which focuses on ecological waste management.

Their journey towards environmental conservation and community well-being is a testament to the impact of collective action and community leadership.

Driven by their eagerness to serve as public officials, then Garvida and the council have embraced and internalized sustainable waste management practices with dedication which continue to inspire positive change in the community.

Through government training, seminars, and the guidance and support of the Municipal Government of Pagudpud and MENRO head Peps Morata, Barangay Caparispisan underwent an iterative process of composing barangay ordinances that ensure that waste management efforts are institutionalized and observed. 

The establishment and enforcement of a waste segregation and diversion system stand as fundamental pillars of Barangay Caparispisan’s environmental initiatives.

At the core of their strategy is the integration of dedicated waste management practices in every Sitio/Purok within the barangay.

In each sitio, a customized waste management system is in place, featuring individual compost pits and waste segregation stations.

These stations play a pivotal role in sorting various types of waste, including cans, papers, and glass bottles. 

The commitment to this level of segregation ensures that recyclables and organic materials are distinctly separated, laying the groundwork for efficient and sustainable waste management.

The segregated waste materials are then systematically transported to their Material Recovery Facility, a central hub where recycling, reusing, and upcycling take place.

This facility becomes a nexus for transforming waste materials into valuable resources, as evident in the creation of innovative furniture and plastic art pieces. 

The waste management efforts of Barangay Caparispisan did not go unnoticed as they earned, among many other accomplishments, the distinguished title of “Hall of Fame” champion Best Barangay Implementer in RA 9003 - the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay in the entire province of Ilocos Norte in 2023.

In a world grappling with environmental concerns, Barangay Caparispisan’s story may serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that collective efforts at the grassroots level can yield impactful results. 

Their journey underscores that potential for change may lie within the hands of local communities, contributing to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. (JCR/MJTAB/CMA PIA Ilocos Norte)