To help seven local government units (LGUs) in Cebu in addressing their biodegradable waste disposal concerns, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through its attached agency Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), turned over to them on Thursday a composting facility for biodegradable waste (CFBW).

The municipalities of Tabogon, Carmen, Consolacion, Cordova, Mandaue City, Oslob, and Badian each received a package of the CFBW, which comprises a shredder with a rotary composter.

In a statement on Friday, the DA-7 said the CFBW units are worth around PHP954,000.

Lawyer Salvador Diputado, DA-7 regional executive director, led the distribution in the municipalities of Oslob and Badian.

He said the facility can produce a good compost or organic fertilizer for various crops after a 40-hour decomposition process.

Diputado encouraged the recipient LGUs to use and maximize the facility in their respective waste management systems, specifically on market waste disposal.

According to DA-7, the CFBW machines are distributed nationwide through the initiative of Senator Cynthia Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.

Meanwhile, DA-7 also reported on Friday that it successfully held training on Barangay Biosecurity Surveillance and Specimen Collection in partnership with the regional Agricultural Training Institute and Provincial Veterinary Office in Cebu relative to the Bantay ASF sa Barangay or BABay ASF program in Alegria town, Cebu on Thursday.

The activity was participated in by municipal livestock technicians in the province, who will be considered trainers for the barangay biosecurity officers. The latter will be recognized and deputized to assess the farms in their respective areas.

This is also aimed at upgrading the hog raising management of Central Visayas and to prevent the entry of African swine fever in the region, the agency said. (PNA)