City Council backs San Simon’s eco waste drive, urges penalty adjustments

THE 20th City Council, during its regular session on Monday, adopted a resolution declaring as operative in part the ordinance of Barangay San Simon enforcing its ecological solid waste management program, with a recommendation to amend the provision on fines and penalties to conform with Section 391(14) of the Local Government Code of 1991.

The ordinance, promulgated to enforce Republic Act No. 9003 (An Act Providing for an Ecological Solid Waste Management Program), and City Ordinance No. 13378-2018 (Integrated Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance) mandating the proper segregation and collection of household wastes, applies to all residential dwellings, commercial establishments such as restaurants, eateries, department stores, groceries, sari-sari stores, and auto repair shops.

It also covers institutions like hospitals, schools, churches, and both public and private offices, as well as industrial facilities.

The measure aims to promote and uphold the health, safety, peace, and convenience of the residents, regulate and manage solid waste generation within the barangay, and foster an orderly and hygienic waste disposal system.

It seeks to improve the environmental quality of the locality by mitigating the adverse impacts of solid waste, enhancing environmental awareness, and encouraging community participation through educational campaigns and collaboration with stakeholders.

Furthermore, it also aims to minimize solid waste generation and maximize resource recovery through recycling, efficient goods utilization, and backyard composting initiatives.

The legislation was sponsored by the City Council committees on barangay affairs and on laws and rules, chaired respectively by Councilors Yan Lam S. Lim and Edgar S. Cabanlas. (JAOclarit/SP)