ILOILO – The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) has many activities lined up to mark January as National Zero Waste Month.
Mitzi Peñaflorida, PGENRO senior environmental management specialist, said the launch of “Gardening for MoRProGRes” by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is the highlight.
Gardening for MoRProGRes or MoRProgGRes Gardens aims to establish gardens for high-value crops and ornamental plants using recycled or upcycled materials – with landscaping features – and shall serve as an agricultural-tourism destination for Ilonggo weekenders, as well as a climate change response.
The program specifically aims to:
* promote high-value crop production in various agricultural settings for food security
* blend ornamental gardening, landscaping, and high-value crop production
* create an agri-tourism destination for tourists, especially Ilonggo weekenders
* create green-agri-tourism destinations that promote the use of recycled or upcycled materials
* contribute to the province’s climate change response
Adding to the activities is the province-wide cleanup drive that will focus on roadsides, coastal areas and waterways, as well as the launching of mobile announcements to create awareness about zero waste.
PGENRO will also collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other program partners to launch the Bulig Eskwela through Action, Reform, and Transformation (ART) Program.
There will be a 4Bs (Basura-Baylo-Baligya-iBangko) Day at the Barangay Kapitolyo Offices; all recycled waste from the capitol offices will be sold to junk shops. Earnings will be deposited into the respective offices’’ bank accounts.
Peñaflorida believes these activities will create awareness about proper waste management, disposal and recycling.
The PGENRO officer also said more than 38 municipalities in the province are regulating single-use plastic, which will reduce the waste produced.
“Kada isa sa aton may different nga personality and behavior. Siguro continuous lang gid nga reminders nga indi paghaboy ang basura bisan diin lang,” Peñaflorida said./PN
