To combat the growing garbage problem, city officials are rolling out strict measures and community education campaigns.
In a bid to address persistent garbage issues, the City Government has directed the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) to launch an intensive re-education and retraining campaign for all barangay officials, focusing on proper solid waste management, particularly segregation and recycling.
This directive comes as the city grapples with longstanding waste management challenges, prompting a renewed call for drastic and sustainable action.
“We have to protect our environment,” city officials emphasized during a meeting with OCENR personnel and other stakeholders held Thursday, July 10, at the city hall conference room. The meeting highlighted the need for barangay officials to take the lead and actively mobilize their communities in addressing garbage-related concerns in their areas.
Officials stressed that the government’s solid waste management initiatives would not succeed without the active participation of barangay leaders and residents. Community-level involvement is considered critical to solving the city’s environmental woes.
In line with this, authorities also ordered the strict enforcement of environmental laws and warned that violators—particularly those found dumping waste into rivers or seas—will face legal action.
To ensure the campaign’s effectiveness, OCENR Acting Chief Gerry Pollisco will oversee education efforts in District II, while ENR Division Chief Engr. Benjamin Rodenas will lead the activities in District I.
The retraining campaign will extend not only to barangays on the mainland but also to island communities, where poor waste disposal practices have been a persistent issue.
With this renewed push, the city aims to foster greater environmental responsibility at the grassroots level and ensure cleaner, more sustainable communities for all.