COURTESY: KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA)
KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA) โ Imagine a town where waste isn't just waste, but a resource for growth and sustainability. In Kauswagan, that vision is becoming a reality with the inauguration of a groundbreaking sanitary landfill in Barangay Tugar. This three-hectare marvel serves as the symbol of the town's commitment to responsible waste management, showcasing state-of-the-art facilities including a vermicomposting area, a material recovery facility, and even an organic vegetable garden!
Mayor Rommel Arnado, the visionary behind this project, has been a staunch advocate for improving garbage collection and waste management since taking office. His determination to implement recycling ordinances and use modern equipment has transformed the town's approach to waste. With covered garbage trucks and a computerized weighbridge system, Kauswagan is setting the standard for eco-friendly innovation.
But what truly sets Kauswagan apart is its community-driven approach. The new facility doesn't just manage waste; it empowers the community by providing livelihood opportunities. Residents can earn income by recycling plastic bottles into eco-bricks or engaging in organic vegetable farming and hollow-block making. This isn't just waste management; it's an economic revolution!
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Felisa Ritsel Alivio has been instrumental in this transformation. By shifting from an open dump site to a sanitary landfill, Kauswagan complies with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act No. 9003 of 2000. This shift isn't just about managing waste; it's about educating the community on environmental stewardship. The "no segregation, no collection" policy ensures that residents are active participants in this sustainable movement.
For recycling specialists like Casana Pernia and Elvis Bigornia, the impact of this initiative is personal. Casana, a farmer, has found new economic opportunities in recycling, while Elvis, previously employed at a coal-fired plant, now focuses on waste collection and recycling. Their stories highlight the transformative power of Kauswagan's approach, where waste management becomes a pathway to a better life.
Elvis shares how training provided by the local government has enabled him to teach his community about the importance of recycling and proper waste segregation. This ripple effect is changing attitudes and behaviors, ensuring that Kauswagan's environmental efforts are sustainable for generations to come.
Kauswagan's sanitary landfill isn't just a facility; it's a model for what can be achieved when innovation, community involvement, and environmental responsibility come together. Mayor Arnado's pride in this achievement is palpable, and rightly so. This initiative is a rare and momentous step forward, blending modern waste collection methods with a livelihood program that benefits the entire community.
As the world grapples with mounting environmental challenges, Kauswagan's success story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. By turning waste into wealth, this town is proving that with the right mindset and collaboration, we can all contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Whether you're a local resident or an observer from afar, Kauswagan's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and community spirit.
