BAGUIO CITY: Mayor Benjamin Magalong has issued an executive order mandating all barangay officials in the Summer Capital to intensify their information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns on proper waste segregation at source.

Executive Order 124, s. 2023 also tasks the General Services Office (GSO) to oversee its implementation, enforcement and compliance.

Among the barangay officials’ duties and responsibilities are organizing and conducting regular IEC activities within their villages to promote proper waste segregation at source; collaborating with the GSO and other relevant agencies to ensure accurate and updated information is disseminated to the community; coordinating with relevant stakeholders, such as homeowners associations and barangay health workers to involve them in the IEC campaign; and encourage their active participation among others.

Republic Act 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000” provides for an ecological solid waste management program that requires the mandatory segregation of solid waste in every local government unit.

Results of the latest Waste Analysis and Characterization Study conducted in Baguio shows that a high percentage of mixed wastes are being disposed of at the waste transfer station and that there is a notable increase in the volume of wastes that are being hauled to the sanitary landfill.

“There is a need to intensify the IEC campaign on proper waste segregation at source to ensure that all residents are well-informed and equipped to practice this essential waste management technique,” the order stated.