Through the approved plan, the province can now source funds for implementing projects and strategies designed to effectively manage the solid waste collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal.

Based on the data on Waste Generation per sector as of 2015, Davao Oriental produces more than 14,000 tons of waste annually. With the province’s growing population and expanding economy, the provincial government resolved to have a sound solid-waste management plan.

The projects and strategies under the plan are consistent with the national solid waste management framework. It emphasizes “reduce, reuse, recycle, and composting” to minimize the negative environmental and public health impacts associated with solid waste generation.

Among the projects identified under the plan are the establishment of sanitary landfills and the mandatory establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) per barangay, among many others.

Present during the deliberation via teleconference were Vice Governor Niño Sotero Uy, Natural Resource Conservation and Operations Division Chief Retired Brigadier General Leopoldo Imbang, Jr., and Mr. Leogene Solamo, who presented the province’s plan.

Under Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, LGUs, through their local solid waste management boards, are tasked to formulate their respective 10-year SWM plans consistent with the National Solid Waste Management Framework of the NSWMC. (PIA/ PR-Provincial Government of Davao Oriental)