Another milestone awaits for the province of South Cotabatio as the Provincial Environment and Management Office facilitated the presentation of the 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan of the six local government units before the national panel of evaluators held earlier at the Office of the Governor Conference Room.
No less than the town mayors of the municipalities of Surallah, Sto. Nino, Lake Sebu, Banga, Polomolok and Tupi presented and defended their respective SWM plans. Earlier, four Local Government Units composed of the municipalities of Tantangan, Tampakan , Norala and T’boli also presented their own plans and were approved by the national evaluaors.
Every municipality of the province has already presented their 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan with good distinction among other LGUS in the country. Evidently manifested to their goal of “leaving no one behind”. The evaluators congratulated the Province of South Cotabato for their proactive response to the requirements of National Committee for SWM. This is also to institutionalize the Republic Act 9003 “An act providing for an Ecological Solid Waste Management Program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purpose.”
The Supervising Environmental Management Specialist of PEMO Ma’am Elbe M. Balucanag “We are really thankful to DENR EMB XII and its Central Office for the provision of coaching and technical assistance. There is guidance on probable questions to be asked and they conducted mock deliberation for a higher chance of approval”.
Board Member Alan M. Ines graced the presentation as the Chairman Committee on Environment in the province, he was also part from the planning and presentation, assisting the LGUS in terms of ushering their environmental plans to Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
According to another National Evaluator “Since 2015 South Cotabato is the first to present in the National level that was immediately approved by the National Committee in one setting”. The result of the presentation will be forwarded to National En Banc Committee Meeting on August 29, 2023 and soon be revealed as approved. Moving forward to a promising clean and green future is set to be established in the province of South Cotabato.
