An environmental advocacy group urged local governments in Pampanga to strengthen solid waste management and preventive health programs during the rainy season, citing continued cases of illegal dumping and concerns over suspended septage management programs.
Sonny Dobles, vice president of the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council Inc. (Araw-ACI), called on mayors and barangay chairpersons in the province to strictly enforce the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003) and the Clean Water Act (Republic Act 9275).
Dobles said the laws are intended to protect public health and prevent the contamination of land and water resources through proper waste and wastewater management.
‘These laws have to be enforced to protect every citizen from the danger caused by mismanaged waste, either solid or in liquid form, dumped on land or in water bodies,’
‘It is saddening to think that our officials seem to have grown numb and no longer give a damn about the lives and safety of our people, especially the poor,’ Dobles said.
He said the group continues to observe illegal dumping in open areas, as well as the disposal of garbage into waterways including the Abacan River, Balibago Creek, and Dau Creek.
Dobles warned that local officials could face administrative or legal liability if they fail to enforce environmental laws. He also said poor communities are often the most affected by flooding, pollution and diseases linked to improperly managed waste.
He said illnesses such as leptospirosis, severe diarrhea, typhoid and wound infections become more prevalent during the rainy season.
‘Marami pa rin tayong nakikitang basura na nakatambak sa mga open spaces na kalaunan ay nagiging open dump na,’ Dobles said. ‘At ang mas grabe ay ang pagtatapon ng basura sa mga ilog at sapa kagaya sa Abacan River, Balibago Creek, at Dau Creek.’
The group’s appeal comes after an illegal open dump in barangay Calumpang, Mabalacat City was closed following a fire that sent heavy smoke into nearby communities. Reports of illegal dumping have also surfaced this year in the towns of Sta. Ana and Arayat.
Dobles also expressed concern over the suspension of septage or environmental fee collection in several Pampanga local governments including Angeles City, Magalang, Apalit, San Simon and Arayat. He said the suspensions have disrupted septage management programs required under the Clean Water Act, although some local governments have said they are reviewing the fee structure.
He urged local governments to complete their reviews promptly to avoid prolonged interruptions in septage services, warning that delays could increase the risk of groundwater contamination. Dobles also backed an earlier call by Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to investigate the compliance of local government units and private operators with laws governing the treatment and disposal of septic waste.