SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – The Department of Science and Technology – Apayao (DOST) held a symposium on October 17, 2023 for government officials, Youth for Environment and Schools Organization (YES-O) from public schools, and community leaders to increase awareness and participation on waste management.
Waste is a big problem not only in urban areas but also in rural areas and proper planning and implementation requires foresight.
The province of Apayao is making all efforts necessary to avoid waste related crisis in the future. The symposium is one of the means to reduce likeability of bigger waste problems as communities progress and develop.
With the recent forum on Solid Waste Management Technologies hosted by DOST-Apayao, it is expected that there shall be better understanding among Local Government Units (LGUs) and community partners of the necessity to adopt solid waste management technologies.
This not only promotes health and safety but also reduces the potential for health issues arising from exposure to harmful chemicals in the environment. Additionally, it helps in controlling pests and disease-carrying organisms by curbing waste production.
DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), Engineer Reynaldo L. Esguerra, during said event focused on the core principles of municipal solid waste management. He underscored the importance of effectively managing residual waste and the utilization of technology for waste conversion into organic fertilizer and methane gas.
Esguerra recommended that public schools conduct waste characterization and analysis surveys to identify the most suitable technologies for their facilities.
Furthermore, DOST-Apayao Provincial Director Engr. Debbie Glynn Manangkil encouraged YES-O Coordinators to submit project proposals to her office, with the prospect of future financing opportunities, provided all requisite paperwork and criteria are met.
Additionally, PGO ENRD Chief Marcelo Menor, emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the “3Rs” of trash management within the community, which involves reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. This approach ensures that the volume of solid waste needing management is minimized. By Maureen Legazpi
