The National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) approved on Tuesday the 10-year solid waste management (SWM) plans of Quezon City and 15 municipalities in Luzon in compliance with Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

NSWMC is the major agency tasked to oversee the implementation of appropriate SWM plans by local government units (LGUs) as mandated by RA 9003.

The commission, chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), approved the respective SWM plans of the 16 LGUs covering various years from 2014 to 2027, during its en banc meeting held in Quezon City.

The mayors of two towns in Ifugao province were present to receive copies of the resolutions approving their SWM plans. DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LGU Concerns Benny D. Antiporda handed down copies of the NSWMC resolutions to Mayors Martin Habawel Jr. and Glenn Prudenciano of the municipalities of Lagawe and Alfonso Lista, respectively.

According to Antiporda, the approval of the SWM plans of the two municipalities signified their commitment to abide by the provisions of RA 9003.

“The Commission has given its approval because the plans are doable and include detailed actions for the next 10 years,” Antiporda said.

Antiporda particularly cited the ordinances passed by the towns of Lagawe and Alfonso Lista, saying these are “testaments that they will adhere to their SWM plans and will allot appropriate funding for it.”

“It is also a confirmation that they will abide by the ‘No Segregation, No Collection Policy,’” he added.

Aside from the two Ifugao towns and Quezon City, the NSWMC also approved the SWM plans of the towns of Dilasag, Dipaculao and San Luis in Aurora province; Mallig, Isabela; Bacnotan, La Union; General Nakar, Quezon; Mangaldan, Pangasinan; Angat and Guiguinto in Bulacan; and Bongabon, General Natividad, Guimba and Talugtog in Nueva Ecija.

Antiporda said the NSWMC has made it easier and faster for LGUs to secure approval for their SWM plans provided they comply with all the requirements provided for in the law.

“We may be quick in filing cases against erring mayors but we are also quick in providing them technical assistance. We want to make it convenient for all LGUs to comply with all the requirements so that they can easily prepare their SWM plans,” Antiporda pointed out.

He also assured that the DENR, particularly the Solid Waste Management Division of the Environmental Management Bureau, will closely monitor the implementation of the approved plans.

Antiporda said LGUs are encouraged to come up with a good system on recycling, composting and disposal of solid wastes.

Improper or non-implementation of an approved SWM plan could lead to its cancellation and filing of charges against concerned local officials. ###