MNDC steers its wheels to a cleaner environment

MNDC meeting to address the pressing concern of LGUs Canaman, Camaligan and Milaor regarding solid waste management, April 2, 2018. On board MV/Camaligan are Camaligan OIC MNDC Ruel de Loyola (Left), Camaligan Mayor Marilou Hirose (2nd from left), PIA CamSur Head Ana-Liza S. Macatangay (3rd from left), MNDC Head Totoy Badiola (4th from left), Celso D. Cleofe , Environmental Officer of LGU Canaman (standing), Engr. William Menes, MPDC of Milaor (3rd from right), Alyssa P. Abanes, technical staff (partly hidden) and Naga City Mayor John Bongat (right). (JRM-PIAV/Camarines Sur)

CAMALIGAN, Camarines Sur --- Aboard the M/V Camaligan with the beautiful sunset on the background, Naga City Mayor John Bongat meets with Camaligan Mayor Marilou M. Hirose, together with the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs) of Milaor, Canaman and Camaligan to solicit suggestions and ways on how to address the proper management of their solid wastes.

The 3 municipalities and the City of Naga are members of the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) – an alliance of 16 local government units (LGUs) bounded by a shared vision of collective progress thru partnership. Bongat sits as MNDC Chairman and has steered the wheels of the council towards greater heights during his incumbency.

“I invited the officials and representatives of Camaligan, Canaman and Milaor to address the pressing garbage disposal issues. In that 2-hour boat ride and over dinner, we also discussed how our respective solid waste management plans could be integrated to promote a clean and green environment,” Bongat stated.

Mayor Hirose, in particular is personally requesting the council thru Bongat to allow their solid wastes to be disposed in the city’s waste facilities citing the geographical situation of the municipality.

“Camaligan is a low-lying municipality, making it difficult for us to have an approved waste disposal area since flooding can affect the management of our garbage. That is why I am seeking for the council’s approval, particularly the city government of Naga to allow us to use their waste disposal facility, for a fee,” Hirose said.

The chief executive added that since Camaligan is now trending as the newest and must-visit tourism site because of their “Sunset Cruise” attraction, the more that they need to ensure the cleanliness of their surroundings thru proper garbage disposal and proper management of wastes.

“Along with progress is the challenge of keeping our surroundings clean, not only because we need to impress our visitors and tourists but the realization that we need to safeguard Mother Earth as our way of saying thank you for the bounty that we are now enjoying,” Hirose quipped.

Bongat assured Hirose that whatever will transpire during the meeting will be brought to the attention of the council for their final disposition.

“There is no final decision yet as their respective municipal councils will still sit down to discuss other proposals. Perhaps we can have a joint session and consider the possibility of coming up with an integrated solid waste management program. We can also identify one common landfill that can be used by the 4 LGUs in the future. We are open to these possibilities,” Bongat said in closing. -LSMacatangay-PIAV/Camarines Sur