LGU complies with solid waste law through donated compactor truck

By Paulo DS Papa

THE City Government of Naga is set to fully comply with Republic Act (RA) 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, as the garbage compactor truck donated by the Okada Foundation begins operating in Central Business Districts I and II this August.

City Mayor Leni Robredo worked to secure the equipment, which was donated by the Okada Foundation and delivered from Japan, according to Engr. Joel Martin, head of the Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO).

Martin said the garbage compactor truck has several features that help conceal foul-smelling garbage during transport to the Naga City Sanitary Landfill, in compliance with the requirements of RA 9003.

The truck can carry about 14 cubic meters, or approximately three tons of waste, in a single collection trip, particularly from the Naga City People’s Mall, Martin said.

Despite the acquisition of the new truck, Martin urged the city government to allocate funds for the procurement of four additional garbage compactor trucks, which he hopes will be included in the 2027 annual budget.

He said the proposed purchase of the additional equipment had already been included in the SWMO’s proposed 2026 budget, but the city lacked sufficient funds to finance the acquisition.

Martin added that the SWMO will continue pursuing the procurement of the additional compactor trucks next year.

The proposed purchase was excluded from this year’s annual budget after City Councilor Elmer Baldemoro, chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, explained that private institutions and organizations had committed to donating additional garbage compactor trucks.

Martin estimated that a single garbage compactor truck costs around P10 million.

Personnel of the Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO) of Naga City familiarize themselves with the operation and functions of the garbage compactor truck donated by the Okada Foundation to the City Government of Naga.