DENR, EMB invest in the youth on solid waste management

KORONADAL CITY - Top officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Region 12 are now "engaging and investing" on the youth in the campaign for proper waste disposal in the Soccsksargen region.

In a statement, DENR XII Regional Executive Director Dr. Sabdullah C. Abubacar, CESO IV emphasized that one of the main roles of the DENR is to extend technical assistance to the local government units and other stakeholders in protecting and conserving the environment and natural resources.

Engr. Alex G. Jimenez, Regional Director of EMB XII stated that a massive information, education and communication (IEC) campaign in schools, barangays and various communities are being conducted with regards to proper waste management.

“We have a pilot project in Sarangani, a program wherein schools are involved. We encourage the students to bring recyclable materials and weigh them in exchange of cash that will help them with their allowances and school supplies. We have a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education to implement this project,” RD Jimenez said.

He implied that the youth sector, who are the hope of the future, should be instilled with what must be done to help save the environment for the present and future generations.

“It is important to start inculcating the proper waste segregation to the youth since combating the problem in waste management may take a long process,” RD Jimenez added.

The all-out campaign on solid waste management in all sectors is governed by the Republic Act 9003 also known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000” that provides an ecological solid waste management program creating the necessary institutional mechanism and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties appropriating funds and for other purposes. (ALAsim)