Cotabato City explains why it has no sanitary landfill

COTABATO CITY - City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) head Engr. Crisanto Saavedra, explained why the citycannot comply some provisions of Republic Act 9003 or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act 2000.
Speaking to DXMS Radyo Bida, Saavedra said the city does not have a site for a disposal facility to put up a sanitary landfill.
However, Saavedra also stressed the city really needs a sanitary landfill but the fact is Cotabato City is below sea level and it is surrounded by two huge rivers – the Rio Grande de Mindanao and Tamontaka River, including several tributaries.
Initially, talks have already been made between the local government units of Cotabato City and Parang and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao for the clustering operations for the establishment of the landfill that will cater to both LGUs.
He said thecity government also sought the help of Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and Solid Waste Management Commission to help solve the problem.
He did not say what was outcome of this request.Cotabato City collects more 100 tons of garbage daily.
In a separate interview with Dr. Danda Juanday, Cotabato City administrator, he urged the residents of Cotabato City to practice 3Rs (Reduce Reuse and Recycle) to minimize solid waste in the city while efforts are underway to address the sanitary landfill issue.
Today, thirty seven barangay captains in the city undergo in the seminar regarding on the management of solid waste, spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB 12).
The seminar will give some ideas on how to manage garbage in the barangay level.Saavedra said sans sanitary landfill, the city has been complying some of the provisions of RA 9003.