PIA Press Release
Friday, January 06, 2012

DENR-7 urges public to minimize wastes during Sinulog

CEBU CITY, January 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) in Central Visayas urges everyone to bring separate trash bags for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and minimize trash by using re-usable utensils during the Sinulog celebration.

DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso further advised people to bring only sufficient amount of food and drinks placed in reusable or recyclable containers; bring home any leftovers for reheating, pet food, or compost material and do not burn the garbage as it will contribute to air pollution.

He also urged local government units and business establishments in Cebu and Mandaue Cities to provide waste receptacles in strategic areas during the Sinulog celebration that would, all together, push segregation of trash.

Thousands of Cebuanos and other local and foreign tourists are expected to troop to the streets on January 15 for the celebration-parade procession for the Feast of the Santo Niño.

“You could just imagine the volume of garbage and wastes we will be generating for this occasion that we love to celebrate annually!” Dichoso said.

Cebu City has an estimated waste discharge of 511 tons per day or 0.7 kilogram/person/day, Dichoso bared.

While Dichoso said it is tradition to celebrate, he also urged the public to also think about the environmental impacts of the celebration as “every human activity impacts on the environment and our natural resources.”

Scores of the uncollected and un-segregated wastes are left spread on the streets or in open lots, or find their way into and choke our rivers and esteros, posing risks to the health and safety of surrounding communities, he noted.

Dichoso also encouraged the public to take the following initiatives in caring for the environment while enjoying the celebration.

“Our DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje recently made an appeal to the public to seriously consider reducing garbage, especially those that are not recyclable and biodegradable, as it can be a major cause of flooding during heavy downpours,” he shared.

He enjoined all stakeholders to continue cleaning some of the waterways because there is so much more that remains to be done. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DENR-7)