To fortify better understanding and commitment of local government units of barangays Lapasan and Puntod, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 launched the “Trash for Rice” Campaign under the Trash Trap Project on October 25 in Cagayan de Oro City.
The move “Basura Nyo, Bigas Ko” was made to generate at least 57,000 of plastic empty bottles to fill the trash traps to serve as floaters to be established in Bitan-ag Creek. It encourages community residents from the two barangays to participate in campaign.
DENR Task Force Tayo ang Kalikasan (TAK) Executive Director, Maria Matilda Gaddi lauded the DENR X officials led by Regional Executive Director (RED) Henry A. Adornado and local government units for supporting the project geared towards solid waste management.
Executive Director Gaddi said that through the trash traps the volume of wastes will be minimized and it will prevent flooding and spread of water-borne diseases. She said that the Task Force TAK has installed trash traps in esteros of Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon.
For his part, RED Henry A. Adornado congratulated Barangay Captain Julito D. Ogsimer of Lapasan and Puntod Barangay Captain Rexie A. Tinampay for their commitment to help solve solid waste management in their respective barangays. He said DENR 10 will conduct information campaign and inculcate proper solid waste management to project beneficiaries.
The Environmental Management Bureau, Region 10 headed by Regional Director Reynaldo S. Digamo is assisting the DENR in the implementation of the project. Director Digamo said that the EMB is implementing the Adopt-an-Estero Program that seek partnership with the LGUs, public and private organizations on the clean-up of esteros. He added that the private sector can be tapped to assist on the project implementation.
DENR Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Felix S. Mirasol, Jr. welcomed the local government officials of Barangays Lapasan, Puntod and Pagatpat, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office of Cagayan de Oro, private sector and other partners. PENRO Misamis Oriental was represented by lawyer Xandra Ysabelle Ebdalin – Bacus and OIC, CENRO for Initao, Misamis Oriental Jerome G. Pioquinto.
Barangay Kagawad Ronny V. Obsioma, Committee Chair on Environment of Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro City gave the introduction on the operation of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and collection and segregation of waste materials by Esmeralda A. Adlawan of Barangay Pagatpat. An action planning with Barangay Councils was undertaken.
The DENR 10 encourages the communities from Barangays Puntod and Lapasan to take part in the project implementation; and instill the value of proper waste segregation and trash enterprise development.
The mechanics of the Trash for Rice Campaign are the following: For every 55 clean plastic bottle with cap and no holes, the DENR will exchange one kilo of rice; Campaign is open from October 26, 2022 to November 18, 2022; Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon except holidays at the DENR 10 Covered Court, Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City; Each participant shall secure a priority number at the DENR guard house; a maximum of 50 participants will be accommodated per day; Each participant may only exchange a maximum of five kilos of rice (275 plastic bottles) per day; Plastic bottles of softdrinks, mineral waters and juices of the following sizes: 250 milliliter (ml), 290 ml, 300 ml, 500 ml, One Liter (L), 1.5L and 2L will be accepted. (Courtesy of the Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section of the Conservation and Development Division) #TayoAngKalikasan RSCIG-11- 322-2022
