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where biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste would be converted
into marketable products.
In 2004 earnest pursuit of this goal started. Multi-sectoral participation
was encouraged in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the
solid waste management program. A massive information, education
and communications campaign was launched using media (television,
print, radio and InterNet) and house-to-house calls. The campaign also
sought to mobilize schools by including environmental issues in the
curricula at all levels.
Recycled Recycling Equipment
Waste generators were grouped into sectors. Each concerned sector
was assisted to form an association accredited by the local government.
These associations were requested to come up with their own solid
waste management plan, which had to include waste characterization,
recording the volume of each type of waste for monitoring purposes
and composting on site. The dumpsite was converted into an Ecological
Waste Management Center to process recyclable materials. A pressing
machine for cans and plastics was built from scratch, using steel salvaged
from the dismantled Calamba Bridge and junked trucks. Recyclable
plastic was formed into chairs and distributed to schools; biodegradable
waste was composted and made available to farmers.
The program was backed by municipal ordinances that imposed
fines on violations. To enforce these ordinances, selected community
members were deputized as volunteer enforcers. To date, there are 103
deputized volunteer enforcers covering the 14 barangays of Los Baños.
Recognition and award mechanisms helped boost the program. One
of these is the promotion of Green Business where best solid waste
management practices were recognized. There were also other awards
handed out by the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, where
Los Baños got the “Category 2: Success Story Award”. Los Baños was
also selected as Wellness Capital of the Philippines in 2005.
Mainstreaming the Program
Some indicators of achievement that serve as milestones for program
success are the following:
a. The formulation of a 10-year Los Baños Ecological Solid Waste
Management Plan (LBESWMP, 2005-2014);
The Los Baños Laboratory 91