Basura Ko, Responsibilidad Ko
Every year, the Philippines is struck by typhoon and along with it is the aftermath of flooding. In Zamboanga Peninsua, however, we are fortunate that we are not hit by the big typhoon, such as those places in Metro Manila, instead limited to Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) storm. In our community, barangay Ditay, flooding also occurs and damages affect them entirely since the place is abound with rice field and farming is their major source of income. Hence, the importance of solid waste management should be strictly implemented so as to limit the ill-fated aftermath of flooding.
Solid waste management practices is not only limited to preventing flooding but also limiting spread of health related problems. Last October 16, 2014, Ateneo de Zamboanga University-School of Medicine (ADZU-SOM), spearheaded by Team Uswag Ditay, in coordination with Municipal Envrionmental and National Resources Office (MENRO) conducted a seminar on Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003). During the event, it was participated by the different purok leaders, barangay officials, barangay health workers, and other members of our Uswag Ditay Core Group. The affair was able to impart the importance of the segregation practices in their homes and practicing compost pit.
Overall, the participants were able to increase their awareness on the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act evident in their pretest-postest evaluation. The initial step was one way to encourage the people to take the challenge on waste disposal management as their own responsibility and not to pass the bucket whenever health related problems may arise and inflicts to anyone of them. -A.Sauti
