CLEAN. Iloilo City street sweepers make sure streets are clean after the highlights of the 2024 Dinagyang Festival. The General Services Office is now conducting a study to determine the behavior of Ilonggos in terms of solid waste management. (Photo courtesy of City General Services Office FB page)
ILOILO CITY – This city government piloted 18 barangays here in a study on solid waste management behavior at the household level.
"We have leveled up from information education campaign before, (now) we will go to the household and check their behavior on how they dispose of their wastes," said Engr. Neil Ravena, General Services Office head, in an interview on Thursday.
The study is in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Central Philippine University (CPU).
Ravena said they asked respondents how the city government can help and support them to become compliant with Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines.
"We are looking at the triggering factor for their behavior to change. We expect them to segregate at source, household level," he added.
Barangays in the pilot area included Benedicto and Buntatala in Jaro district; Ingore and Magsaysay village in La Paz; Bakhaw, Bolilao, San Rafael, and Calahunan in Mandurriao; Tanza Esperanza, Compania, East Baluarte, Habog-Habog Salvacion, West Habog Habog, Molo Boulevard, North Baluarte, and South Baluarte in Molo.
The study started two weeks ago and will last for a month.
"Mostly, we started in coastal areas because we don't want plastic (waste) to go into the bodies of water," said Ravena.
Parallel to the study, 10 barangays are getting technical assistance as they draft the waste management plan.
These are Barangays San Juan, Calumpang, Calaparan, and South Fundidor in Molo district; Sto.Nino Sur, Sta Cruz, Yulo Drive, Dulonan, and Bonifacio in Arevalo; Bo. Obrero in Lapuz; and Bito-on in Jaro.
Ravena took his oath as full-fledged head of the GSO before Mayor Jerry P. Treñas following the approval of his appointment by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday. (PNA)
