by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Kalibo LGU has formally inaugurated its first village level Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Pook on April 22, 2010. This fulfillment is a decade after RA 9300 or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act was passed into law.
Kool Earth, an NGO that advocates public health, sanitation and environmental concerns was tapped by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo to assist in the implementation of project to reduce, recycle, and reuse strategies in managing toxic waste. Active women members of the organization like Drs. Felma De La Cruz and Cynthia De La Cruz both come from the Aklan Medical Society. They believe that public health are ensured through cleaner environment. It is also bolstered by "Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina" (KALIPI) or Precious Women.
This MRF comes as no surprise as mayoralty candidates in the May 10 polls rally for prompt resolution to the nagging problem of DENR’s 2005 directive to LGU Kalibo to close its existing dumpsite at Bakhao Sur. It also directed the construction of sanitary landfill in a non-flood prone area. However, inadequate funds prevented its realization.
Ms. Vicky Ramos Antonino assisted by Brgy. Capt. Mary Jane A. Rebaldo cut the ceremonial ribbon. Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo was represented by Poblacion Brgy. Chair Mary Jane A. Rebaldo. Guests and other officials notably Gen. EQ Fernandez, Mr. Glen Sacapano, Brgy. Capt. Rafael Anteza of Pook, PO3 Julius Barrientos and Ms. Editha De Lemos graced the inaugural ceremonies.
Fr. Tudd Belandres from St. Jude Parish Church gave the homily and dedication ceremony. April 22 is also remembered as International Earth Day reinforcing a rare spiritual insight: God’s creation of earth and the heavens were good. "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it. "Gen. 2:15. Plainly, we are stewards of His creation and this is our sacred responsibility.
Ms. Chita C. Heap, Pres. of Kool Earth explained that intensive recycling of wastes like plastic wrapper and glass bottles using shredders will have positive impact on people as materials are converted into industrial products of high value. RA 9300 is all about waste segregation at its source. The facility is expected to initially process plastic wrapper into paving blocks using fine sand, shredded plastic and cement as binder. The acquisition cost of plastic shredder including hollow block gadget is P95,000. However, the machine is on loan through the courtesy of Mr. Glen Sacapano. Paving block will cost P10.00 each which is reasonable because of add on value. Plan is afoot to develop organic vegetable garden to complement nutrition program among most vulnerable groups.
Mr. Glen Sacapano, MRF consultant based in Balabag, Malay, Aklan said that shredded glass bottles have been used not only in paving blocks but in garbage receptacles (as a subsidy) and placed along beachfronts. For the last two years, MRF Boracay has realized gross sales of P1.2 million from industrial manufacturing and cool giveaways such as rosary beads, bracelets, leis, and other items.
In a related development in 1989, former Mayor Ernesto I. Templonuevo of Numancia showed exemplary vision and dynamism by establishing the first MRF in Aklan. He succeeded in reducing its mountain of garbage at the back of Numancia Public Market where no town executive dared to do by using a mechanical shredder. At that time, there was no money value in the product. It was not until 2004 that African Night Crawler specie of earthworm was introduced to convert the black mass of solid material into vermicast in a two month feeding cycle.
Overnight success in availing of free feeding material from Numancia MRF stock pile, growing expertise in the culture of earthworm and the potential market of vermicast led to more aggressive programs. Numancia Vermicast Producers MPC was organized. Ms. Racel I. Gomez is heading it as president. In 2004, DTI registered vermicast organic fertilizer under One Town, One Product (OTOP) category. Local sales and popularity of vermicast fertilizer grew as a result of favorable consumers acceptance and unprecedented record production in plants and fisheries crops. In addition, its price of P380.00 per bag in 2008 was a bargain to Urea’s price of P1,500 per 40 kilogram bag. Its latest fertilizer brand, a mixture of carbonized rice hull, poultry litter, vermicast and lime is priced at P220.00.
On July 14, 2009, the DTI regional office awarded Numancia Vermicast Prodcuers MPC as best OTOP-MSME implementer. Again on March 12, 2010, the cooperative won the most coveted national award as OTOP implementer representing the whole Visayas.
Ecological waste management could be implemented by all LGU’s by adopting strategies based on their resources and technical capability. Whether strategy is on non-biodegradable or biodegradable, outcome could be very productive and fulfilling.
Indeed, modern lifestyle and expanding population can only be achieved if proper waste management is institutionalized. Finally, we want to bequeath a legacy of cleaner, greener and habitable environment to our succeeding generation. /MP
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