La Union: The 19 municipalities and one city in the province of La Union have successfully established their own sanitary landfills in adherence to Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. This legislation is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Burgos and Bagulin are the latest municipalities to inaugurate their sanitary landfills during the last quarter of 2024, while Bauang and Sudipen have enhanced their existing waste management facilities. The La Union Provincial Information Office (PIO) reported on Tuesday that the landfills in the 19 local government units (LGUs) are operational, with Bagulin currently in the process of obtaining the necessary permits for full operation.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica David emphasized the significance of these facilities in protecting the environment and supporting the province's ambition to become the "Heart of Agri-Tourism" in Northern Luzon. She urged the LGUs to maintain the facilities effectively to ensure their longevity and utility. "I ask for everyone's cooperation in properly maintaining these facilities so that they can serve us for a long time," David stated.
The governor further noted that the establishment of these landfills not only addresses solid waste management challenges but also underscores La Union's commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive governance. The law mandates the closure of open dumpsites, requiring LGUs to establish sanitary landfills designed and operated to specific standards.
In addition to landfill operations, the province is actively pursuing other environmental sustainability initiatives. One such initiative is the 'Sukat Bukel' (exchange seeds) project, launched in 2019. Through this program, La Union residents can exchange scrap fruit seeds for kilos of rice at the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO). The collected seeds are used to cultivate various endemic tree seedlings in provincial nurseries.
Environment Officer Analyn Valdez highlighted the project's impact, revealing that over 1,100 kilos of native forest and fruit seeds were collected last year, resulting in the distribution of more than two thousand kilos of rice. In 2024, about 254 individuals participated in the initiative, with some opting to receive tree seedlings like calamansi and grafted rambutan instead. The most commonly collected seeds included cacao, guyabano, atis, mango, pomelo, and jackfruit.
With its environmental advocacy at the forefront, La Union continues to motivate community action and stewardship, ensuring a thriving and harmonious environment for future generations, the La Union-PIO remarked.
