By Wilson J Hormeguera

The technical working group of the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) of the city government of Cagayan de Oro has laid out its 2019 goals during the planning workshop facilitated by Xavier University’s Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) on August 9.

The City ESWM-TWG’s vision of having a “clean” city with “disciplined and responsible” Kagay-anons by 2019 can be achieved through the following strategic goals: (1) Strengthened community participation; (2) Strict implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003); (3) Active barangay governance; (4) Sustainable ESWM programs; and (5) Massive information and education campaign on ecological solid waste management, ranging from household to city levels.

“The need now is giving special attention to enabling barangay governance in the management of solid waste in the city,” said ESWM focal person Elvisa Mabilin.

The City ESWM-TWG is composed of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Offices, City Health Office, City Planning and Development Office, City Engineers Office, City Public Services Office, City Information Office, CDO Liga ng mga Barangay, CDO Mangaycayay Landfill Association, CDO Junkshop Association, Balay Mindanao, Mindanao University of Science and Technology, Liceo de Cagayan University, and XU through its Social Development cluster's Advocacy Program and Green Campus Agenda.

XU president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, who is also an environmental economist, serves as the chairman of the City ESWM Board.