Cebu City: Only seven out of 136 local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas have yet to secure approval for their 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan, an official said Wednesday. John Roy Quiamco, head of the solid waste management division of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Central Visayas, stated that the region is nearing full compliance with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which marks its 24th year on January 26.

According to Philippines News Agency, as of July 2024, 118 LGUs had secured approval for their solid waste management plans. Quiamco noted that the number of compliant LGUs has significantly increased, with only a few remaining under review by the Solid Waste Management Commission. The 10-year plan is a key requirement for LGUs applying for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

EMB-7 is now focusing on supporting the informal waste sector, including garbage collectors and junk gatherers, who play a crucial role in managing waste. In line with January’s Zero Waste Month theme, ‘Integrating Sustainability and Circularity Into The Informal Waste Sector,’ the agency aims to connect waste collectors with companies producing recyclable materials.

Quiamco also highlighted an initiative in Toledo City, Cebu, where plastic waste is incorporated into concrete materials for hollow block production.