The municipal government of Bangued, Abra is stepping up its solid waste management program by converting waste into usable products.
Mayor Perfecto Cardenas said the move aims to reduce garbage while creating livelihood opportunities for communities. He added that the local government is planning to expand waste segregation and recycling efforts so all 31 barangays (villages) can benefit.
“We are planning to have a system where all barangays will benefit from waste segregation. We have bio-composting, bottle crushers, and pulverizer machines. We hope to distribute recycled materials to those making concrete products,” Cardenas said in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
He said recycled products could generate income for barangays and provide livelihood opportunities for residents.
“We want them to see for themselves and experience the old saying that there is money in garbage,” he said.
Cardenas said the municipality is upgrading its materials recovery facilities to expand services while strengthening waste segregation at the source.
He acknowledged that garbage collection and waste segregation are currently limited to barangays in the town center but said the local government is developing a comprehensive system that can be implemented across all villages.
Cardenas said the initiative is part of Bangued’s 10-year solid waste management program, which now requires full implementation and stronger public participation.
“This is one of our priorities in the local government of Bangued – solid waste management,” he said.
The municipality is also conducting information and education campaigns in barangays, schools, and business establishments to encourage public participation.
“We want everyone to be involved because solid waste management is not the responsibility of the local government alone. It requires the cooperation of everybody,” Cardenas said.
He said community lectures and school-based campaigns aim to instill proper waste management practices, particularly waste segregation, at the source. (PNA)
