The 31 mayors in Negros Occidental are being required by Governor Joseph Marañon to attend a day-long workshop training conducted by the National Solid Waste Management Commission, on compliance options under RA 9003, specifically the closure and rehabilitation of open dump sites.

Marañon, in his memorandum issued to all Negros mayors, said the seminar workshop in Districts 1 and 2 will be held March 13 at the Escalante City Hall, Districts 3 and 4 at the Mambucal Conference Hall in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia on March 14, while Districts 5 and 6 are scheduled March 15 at the Kabankalan City Hall.

Marañon said the workshop will discuss possible clustering of LGUs for the effective establishment of a viable waste disposal facility.

NSWMC reports show that Negros Occidental, compared to other areas in the country, has a high percentage of compliance with the provisions of RA 9003, with E.B> Magalona town leading ahead against other LGUs in the province.

Provincial Solid Waste Management Board Action Officer Ma. Alena Nuñez reported that majority of LGUs in Negros Occidental are in the first stage of waste segregations, while E.B. Magalona is now in the recycling stages.

As early as February last year, Mayor Alfonso Gamboa had ordered the closure of the town's dumpsite in Brgy. Madalag, E.B. Magalona. With the help of the Department of Science and Technology, the town is now recycling the collected residual wastes being melted using a "densifying machine", and formed into tiles and pots through molders.

The DENR had earlier warned mayors of possible administrative charges if they do not close all open dumpsites and convert it into sanitary landfill before Feb.16 this year.*GPB

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