ILOILO – Some residents of Barangay Janipa-an West, Mina town are opposed to the proposed sanitary landfill in their village.
“We truly think this project will bring us harm more than benefits,” read part of these residents’ position paper submitted to Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. on May 7.
The proposed sanitary landfill is a project of the municipal government of Mina, Defensor’s hometown.
Residents feared air pollution, groundwater contamination and the explosion in the population of rodents and insects such as flies and cockroaches.
The petitioners expressed concern over the possible adverse effects of the proposed sanitary landfill to their health.
“We are appealing to you, our beloved Governor, to please take a look at it and its effect on the local population,” the barangay residents stated.
Defensor said the social acceptability of any project is important.
“Social acceptance is crucial to the approval of any environmental project. Kon indi ang pumuluyo, indi na madayun,” he said.
Defensor stressed the importance of educating residents about the proposed sanitary landfill, its pros and cons.
According to Mayor Rey Grabato of Mina, the proposal is in line with his local government’s bid to comply with Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000).
The local government actually sought the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) because the municipality did not have the funds to build a sanitary landfill, he said.
DENR agreed to help. Aside from the sanitary landfill, an eco-park would be built. This could be developed into a tourist destination, according to Grabato.
The mayor, however, clarified these are all proposals for now. There would still be extensive planning and a feasibility study would be conducted.
He urged those opposed to the proposal to come to his office and present alternative solutions to Mina’s solid waste problem.
“Let us help one another solve this problem,” stressed Grabato./PN
