The Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) is set to enhance waste management operations in Zamboanga City with the acquisition of 45 new garbage trucks. This development comes following the approval of the purchase by the city government under the leadership of Mayor John Dalipe, with allocations spread across 2024 and 2025 budgets.
Assistant City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Gerry Pollisco announced the initiative during the Zamboanga City Solid Waste Management Board’s (ZCSWMB) second semi-annual meeting held on December 13 at the City Hall conference room. Pollisco revealed that 10 units are expected to arrive in 2024, while an additional 20 units will be funded under the 2024 Supplemental Budget No. 3. The remaining 15 units are scheduled to be procured using funds from the 2025 Executive Budget.
Pollisco expressed gratitude to Mayor Dalipe for his unwavering support of OCENR’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions for solid waste disposal. He also emphasized the shared responsibility of proper waste management, urging communities to strengthen practices such as waste segregation, recycling, and other climate change adaptation measures.
During the meeting, the ZCSWMB discussed the city’s 10-year solid waste management plan, proposed additional board memberships, and reviewed the City’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) results and environmental compliance status.
In a message read by Pollisco, Mayor Dalipe commended the board’s commitment and encouraged them to continue working toward a “cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Zamboanga City.”
Key participants in the meeting included Councilor Jordan Evangelista; Rosemarie Salazar, representing DOST IX Regional Director Martin Wee; Norman Erazo, representing EMB IX Regional Director Engr. Alex Jimenez; Diane Petate, representing City Planning and Development Officer Ma. Luz Agbayani; Joy Sese, representing City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite; and other stakeholders.
The procurement of the garbage trucks is expected to significantly boost the city’s waste collection efficiency and environmental initiatives, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fostering a sustainable urban environment.