Environmental workers and waste management advocates in Ilocos Norte welcomed the administration’s intensified campaign on solid waste management, saying the initiative strengthens environmental protection efforts while promoting cleaner and healthier communities.

Provincial environment program officer Joegie Jimenez told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that Ilocos Norte supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to update the 25-year-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

“The problem on plastic pollution is a big problem not only in the Philippines. We really must get serious about it and focus on proper waste management to reduce pollution and encourage responsible waste disposal among households, businesses and institutions,” he said.

The Ilocos Norte Environment and Natural Resources Office, along with the city and municipal governments, have intensified the implementation of waste segregation at source, recycling and composting initiatives, reducing plastic waste, and improving the operation of sanitary landfills and materials recovery facilities.

Environmental workers said consistent implementation not only helps protect ecosystems but also improves public health by reducing pollution and preventing the clogging of waterways that can contribute to flooding.

“It’s [been] more than 20 years since the solid management act was enacted but until now, we [still have a] segregation problem. We really need to act fast and practice properly,” Deborah Melchor, an environment advocate, said.

During the recent Typhoon Kiyapo, officials of Laoag City attributed massive flooding in several areas to clogged drainage canals.

An inspection team from the City Engineering Office said the accumulated garbage, silt, and other debris obstructed the flow of water. The situation was worsened by heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage capacity in some areas. (PNA)