RAFI trains in Netherlands for solid waste management

TWO officers from the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) attended a weeklong training on solid waste management (SWM) in the Netherlands.

RAFI chief operating officer Dominica Chua and executive director for integrated development Rowena Bandola-Alensonorin acquired insights RAFI could use to assist the Mandaue City SWM Board in formulating the city’s integrated solid waste management framework and plan (ISWMFP) for 2010-2019.

The training included discussions and site visits to plants and companies.

During the training, Chua and Alensonorin took into account the conditions and circumstances in Mandaue City.

As part of RAFI’s medium to long term goals for Mandaue City and Cebu, the Netherlands training enabled RAFI to increase its knowledge on the solid waste management.

RAFI organized a sharing session during the regular meeting of the Mandaue City SWM Board last March where Chua and Alensonorin shared their learnings on waste minimization, recycling and utilization of waste, collection of waste and waste disposal, sanitary landfills, and composting of biodegradables.

Chua observed that the municipalities of the Netherlands have similar problems with Mandaue City in terms of garbage. But the former was able to address their garbage issues because of their willingness to change.

“A clear SWM vision and framework, continuous education of all stakeholders, strong political will to implement the program, effective communication and community participation strategies, and outsourcing of various SWM processes and procedures are the key elements towards a successful and sustainable SWM system in the Netherlands,” Chua said.

From the insights gained from the training, RAFI proposed an immediate plan of action for Mandaue City, which includes the localizing of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or Republic Act 9003; mobilizing the city’s SWM technical working group and committees for the preparation, implementation and enforcement of specific plans of action; and establishing an incentives and awards system for SWM.

The PUM Netherlands senior experts fielded a consultant to assist in the technical aspects of the ISWMFP for 2010-2019 through a training.