Barangay, SK Bets Told to Lead Cleanup Campaign

Green advocates called on the Barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates to lead a community cleanup drive
to get rid of leaflets, stickers, posters, streamers, buntings, and
sample ballots, after the elections.

“Win or lose, we appeal to poll candidates to start removing all
banners, posters and other campaign materials from around their
communities,” Ecological Waste Coalition (EcoWaste) president Roy
Alvarez said.

The group noted that despite the limited campaign period of only 10
days, Barangay and SK bets spent tons of paper and plastic materials
to reach out and win over their grassroots constituents.

“Sooner or later, these materials will degenerate into health and
environmental hazards, turning into garbage, blocking storm drains or
falling onto innocent motorists or pedestrians,” Alvarez pointed out.

EcoWaste specifically advised incoming barangay chairpersons to lead
the community cleanup drive.

As the barangay chief executive, the chairperson is mandated under
Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code, to enforce laws and
regulations pertaining to pollution control and environmental
protection.

Likewise, under RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act,
a barangay chairperson is tasked to head the Barangay Solid Waste
Management Committee, which, among others, is responsible for drawing
up and implementing a waste plan, including the establishment of a
materials recovery facility to promote recycling.

“Please salvage materials that can still be repurposed and do not just
throw or burn them,” Alvarez said.

Posted in: Clean-up campaign