Central Visayas is close to achieving complete adherence to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, with only seven of its 136 local government units (LGUs) yet to have their 10-year Solid Waste Management Plans approved. John Roy Quiamco, head of the solid waste management division at the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Central Visayas, shared this progress on January 22, 2025, as the region marks the 24th anniversary of Republic Act 9003 on January 26. By July 2024, 118 LGUs had already received approval for their plans, showing a significant increase in compliance. The remaining plans are currently under review by the Solid Waste Management Commission. These plans are essential for LGUs to qualify for the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. EMB-7 is also shifting focus to support the informal waste sector, including waste pickers and junk dealers, who are vital in the waste management process. In celebration of January’s Zero Waste Month, themed ‘Integrating Sustainability and Circularity Into The Informal Waste Sector,’ EMB-7 is working to link waste collectors with businesses that use recyclable materials. Additionally, an innovative project in Toledo City, Cebu, is turning plastic waste into a component of concrete for hollow block production, showcasing a practical application of waste management.
