Local governments can save on resources if residents and industries fully comply with waste segregation.

First District Councilor Roger Abaday noted that most local government units (LGUs) nationwide failed to implement provisions in Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act.

Abaday said RA 9003 has been a law since 2001 and yet, not all LGUs have been complying, compelling him and his colleagues to push for the city to be one of the active implementers of solid waste management in the country.

He said the City Council has approved a budget of PHP220 million to intensify the implementation of solid waste management in 2024.

Of the total, about PHP50 million will be for the upkeep and operation of the Barangay Pagalungan landfill.

“This is to show the people our concern for the environment,” he said, adding that a solid waste management implementation within the community would result in reduced operational costs and less garbage collection volume.

The waste management budget will include upgrades in the City Local and Environment Resources Office, including information, and education campaigns in all 80 villages. (PNA)