Siquijor & San Juan, Siquijor – On August 22, 2024, sixty-one (61) members of partner people’s organizations and representatives from barangay local government units (LGUs) in San Juan and Siquijor successfully completed the Training on Solid Waste Management in Coastal Areas, held from August 21 to 22, 2024. This initiative, led by the FISH Visayas Project, aims to improve waste management practices, integrating them into local fishing and aquaculture operations.

The training covered essential topics on solid waste management, including segregation at the source, segregated transport, storage, transfer, processing, treatment, and disposal of waste. These measures ensure environmental protection and compliance with relevant local and national policies. Special attention was given to the enforcement of penal provisions to reinforce adherence.

Participants were also oriented on existing municipal ordinances concerning integrated ecological solid waste management in San Juan and Siquijor. These ordinances regulate the distribution, importation, and disposal of non-environmentally acceptable packaging materials, and set guidelines for the construction and operation of landfills or waste disposal facilities.

Furthermore, the training highlighted local regulations on single-use plastic prohibition, aimed at achieving a zero-waste Siquijor. A resolution requiring business owners in the province to attend an environmental sustainability compliance seminar as a prerequisite for business permit issuance and renewal was also discussed. The prohibition of burning leaves and waste materials, along with corresponding penalties, was emphasized as part of the provincial adoption of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Following the training, coastal clean-ups were conducted in both municipalities. In San Juan, the clean-up took place on August 21, 2024, involving people’s organizations and LGU staff, while in Siquijor, the activity was held on August 22, 2024. A total of 13 sacks of waste, estimated at 90 kilograms, were collected across the two clean-up events.

The successful implementation of these activities was made possible through the collaborative efforts of FISH Visayas Project partners, including the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LGU San Juan, LGU Siquijor, and AFOS Foundation. The training was facilitated by Engr. Wilson D. Larot of MENRO San Juan and Ms. Lhermie P. Areja of MENRO Siquijor.

Looking ahead, the FISH Visayas Project plans to enhance the documentation of solid waste collected during coastal clean-ups in both municipalities. By compiling data on the type and volume of waste, partner LGUs will be better equipped to assess the scope of waste challenges in coastal areas. This information will play a crucial role in developing targeted and effective waste management strategies.

—
The Solid Waste Management Training in Coastal Areas aspires to achieve Result Area 1: Training for fisherfolks and MSMEs and Result Area 4: Resource Protection of the FISH Visayas Project.