BACOLOD City – A proposed measure to rename the Bacolod City Sanitary Landfill to further advance waste diversion initiatives here hurdled the first reading at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).
On March 20, the SP approved on first reading the ordinance that seeks to rename the city’s sanitary landfill to Bacolod Integrated Recycling and Technology Hub and Eco-Park (BIRRTH).
The sanitary landfill located in Barangay Felisa that serves as the central facility for managing solid waste of the city will be transformed into a model facility for integrated recycling, resource recovery, and environmental education.
Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, chairperson of the SP committee on environment and ecology, said he proposed for the said measure to further promote sustainable solid waste management practices through recycling, resource recovery, technological advancement, and community engagement.
“This is to establish the facility as a hub for environmental education and awareness; develop the site into an eco-park to provide a green recreational and learning space for residents and visitors; and foster partnerships with stakeholders, including the private sector, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations, to advance environmental initiatives,” read part of the proposed measure.
This transformation aligns with the mandates of Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” which promotes the adoption of sustainable waste management practices, Puentevella said.
The proposed ordinance added that P300,000, to be taken from the city’s General Fund, will be allocated for the construction of the welcome arc and markers bearing the official BIRRTH name.
The councilor said the SP committee on environment and ecology is set to schedule a public hearing on the proposed ordinance.
Meanwhile, a groundbreaking ceremony for the phase 1 of the Recovery and Recycling Complex and Ecopark at the sanitary landfill was held on March 12.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the project seeks to maximize the recovery of recyclable materials, reduce landfill waste, and ensure the proper processing and recycling of recovered resources.
It also aims to promote environmental sustainability through incentivized waste segregation and the reinforcement of circular economy programs, he added./PN
