Recognizing the urgent need that San Esteban
must have a place to dump its garbage, the Sangguniang Bayan organized and sponsored an
educational trip to the sanitary landfill of San Fernando City. This facility has been
a model to other local government units who plan to have one. Before this municipality
decides to acquire a lot to be used as a dumpsite, we should get pointers first or the
basic idea what a landfill is all about.
The delegation of about 40 persons comprised of the Mayor,
the Vice Mayor, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, all barangay captains, department heads
namely the municipal planning and development officer, the municipal assessor, the
municipal engineer, the municipal information officer, the sanitary inspector and the
environmental officer. Also with the group are members of the barangay council of
San Nicolas and a concerned citizen from sitio Bigbiga where the proposed landfill
is located.
In the morning of July 29 the group were warmly welcomed
by the City Mayor Mary Jane Ortega at the People’s Hall then the City Engineer gave us a
lecture on the development plans of San Fernando where solid waste management plays a vital
role. We were likewise briefed on their landfill project that became so successful and
known worldwide for its sanitation.
We then proceeded for an ocular inspection of the landfill
and see for ourselves the claims of the host city. And true to their words, there was no
foul odor, no files and vermins, no scavengers and the site was very orderly. The compost
is used as fertilizers for plant cuttings that they propagate right at the entrance.
And yes the host barangay earns a lot of money for sorting and selling recyclable items.
The smell is neutralized by the presence of ilang-ilang trees planted at the surroundings.
We had a sumptuous lunch at the Botanical Garden, another
well known and successful environmental project. There to welcome us were the City Mayor
and Vice Mayor Nardy Valero who gave us more pointers on government administration.
Vice Mayor Valero accompanied us to the Hall of Poro,
the most progressive barangay because of the presence of many industrial establishments,
the airport and seaport, the depots of Caltex and Shell and is also the amusement center
of the city. The Hall is complete with amenities and service-oriented personnel and
is probably better looking than our municipal hall.
The group was shown the legislative building where the
councilors hold office after which we were invited to attend their regular session at
the People’s Hall. Mayor Abad and Vice Mayor Mendoza were given a chance to say their
gratitude for the successful educational trip experienced by the participants.
Miniature almeres were given as gifts to the councilors as a token of appreciation.
We headed back home late in the afternoon.
