By: Kathlyn Ventura, Hannah Heramia
Photo by Michael Estupigan.
In celebration of Zero-Waste Month, the Engineering Buildings and Grounds through Dr. Nancy Balasan and Mr. Willy M. Sentinta, initiated a talk on zero-waste management to bring awareness on environmental issues, last January 24 at Del Pillar Hall.
As mandated by the former President Benigno Aquino III in Proclamation No. 760 signed on May 2014, January is declared as Zero-Waste Month. During this month, the local and private sectors host events and activities in an effort to educate the public on effective waste management.
“It’s about time that we focus on solid waste management, the responsibility as discussed not only by top management but by everybody inside Letran,” Balasan declared as she urged the Letran community to practice zero-waste management.
“We are all responsible for all the rubbish that we are producing. A matter of discipline as well for everybody. We are helping not only our janitors but we are helping others outside the Colegio or the community where we belong,” she continued.
The talk was led by Ms. Ydette Kristine D. Catong, a dedicated environmentalist and a licensed pollution control officer recognized by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR).
“When I was young, I discipline myself, gaano ba kaliit yung basura? I [always] find a way to properly dispose my trash. I live with that mantra, maybe that’s why I am in this position today,” she said in her opening statement.
She explained the Republic Act 9003 which is the Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2009 as a measure that provides an ecological solid waste management program and creates necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives.
“It was really informative; the way she explains certain things. Her talk really deserves to be heard by everyone,” commented Ms. Geraldine
Lagmay, a faculty member of the Senior High School (SHS).
Catong discussed the different types of waste like recyclable, reusable, biodegradable and special or toxic waste.
“No matter how technical or thorough authorities explain about waste segregation, kung hanggang sakanya lang ‘yung communication, nothing will happen. Kaya always inform, always channel or cascade your information for community familiarization,” she said.
“As a student with the help of this seminar, mas naging open pa ako sa recycle, reuse ng mga biodegradable, non-biodegradable, residual and sa zero waste month. I learned na dapat mas maging malinis pa ako as a person kasi responsibilidad mo lahat ng basurang tinatapon mo,” shared Marvin Gan, a senior high school student.
The seminar served as an eye opener for Letranites to understand the significance of applying the three methods: reuse, reduce and recycle, as simple act that brings huge impact to the environment.
(First published on The LANCE's Jan-Feb 2019 Issue)