In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, all 19 municipalities and the single city in La Union province have established their own sanitary landfills, adhering to the mandates of Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. This initiative was highlighted by Governor Raphaelle Veronica David during the opening of a new landfill in Sudipen, emphasizing the province’s dedication to maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
Recent developments include the opening of new sanitary landfills in Burgos and Bagulin in the last quarter of 2024, alongside upgrades to existing facilities in Bauang and Sudipen. The La Union Provincial Information Office confirmed that these facilities are now fully operational, with Bagulin in the final stages of securing operational permits.
Governor David stressed the importance of these facilities in protecting the environment and supporting La Union’s vision to become the ‘Heart of Agri-Tourism’ in Northern Luzon. She urged local government units to maintain these facilities diligently to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
The sanitary landfills are not only a solution to the province’s solid waste management but also a symbol of La Union’s commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive governance. The law requires the closure of open dumpsites and the establishment of sanitary landfills, with local governments responsible for their proper design and operation.
In addition to the landfill initiative, La Union has launched the ‘Sukat Bukel’ project, which encourages residents to exchange scrap fruit seeds for rice at the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office. Last year, over 1,100 kilos of seeds were collected, and more than 2,000 kilos of rice were distributed in return. The collected seeds are used to nurture provincial nurseries, growing various endemic tree seedlings like narra, avocado, tamarind, and cacao.
The ‘Sukat Bukel’ project saw participation from 254 individuals in 2024, with some opting for tree seedlings such as calamansi and grafted rambutan instead of rice. The most commonly collected fruit seeds included cacao, guyabano, atis, mango, pomelo, and jackfruit.
La Union’s proactive environmental initiatives reflect a strong commitment to fostering collective action and environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable future for the province and its residents.