THE National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) has approved a resolution intensifying the campaign against open burning of solid wastes, including agricultural wastes.
The open burning of solid wastes is prohibited under Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act). However, this has not been strictly enforced since it was enacted in January 26, 2001, according to Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.
Cimatu was quoted in a statement as saying that open burning is still prevalent in urban communities, including agricultural wastes in the rural areas,
Open burning is the traditional small-scale community method of solid waste disposal and management, locally known as “siga.”
Cimatu added that the farmers’ practice of burning their fields to clear stubbles, weeds and waste before growing a new crop could reduce soil fertility.
Last November 24, the NSWMC issued its Resolution 1468 (series of 2021) to “strengthen the enforcement of the provisions of RA 9003 on open burning of municipal solid wastes including agricultural wastes.”
As of November 24, a total of 1,128 local government units (LGUs) out of 1,716 have 10-year solid waste management (SWM) plans approved by the Commission, which include the goal to achieve a full collection coverage among the LGUs.
Some LGUs are still in the initial stages of developing their SWM plans and LGUs are yet to accomplish a 100 percent collection coverage in their respective jurisdictions.
Through the NSWMC Resolution 1468, member agencies from the public and private sector as well as other government agencies have been given specific responsibilities to enforce the provisions of RA 9003 on open burning of solid and agricultural wastes.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Information Agency and the Department of Health are encouraged to promote awareness on the effects of open burning on the environment and a person’s physical health, as well as on the existing waste processing and purchasing markets.
The Department of Trade Industry will also boost consumer awareness in agricultural waste management while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and LGUs will focus on the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—advocacy.
The private sector, non-governmental organizations, manufacturing and packaging and recycling industries will also help through IEC campaigns and in developing programs on open burning alternatives.
“The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education to include in their curriculum development the environmental and health effects of open burning,” the resolution read.
The Department of Agriculture will develop policies and guidelines on agricultural waste management while LGUs will establish local ordinances to improve waste collection and disposal, operationalize composting and recycling mechanisms and increase the capacity of waste disposal facilities.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government will be responsible for environmental audits on the implementation of the 10-year SWM plans of LGUs and will assist them in its local ordinances and ensure the holistic management of solid wastes.
Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology will develop, promote and evaluate the best available technologies and environmental practices alternatives to open burning and the Department of Public Works and Highways will develop infrastructures that will help decrease open burning.
