This Community Research Project is aimed at examining Barangay Nazareths waste management system in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

Authors Avatar by vem92 (student)

 WASTE MANAGEMENT

IN

BARANGAY NAZARETH,

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Submitted by:

Achaia D. Bais

Princess Grace G. Esmedina

Isha Grace Q. Vallinas

Karrah Kshatria B. Seronay

Prairie Anne B. Villamor

Krissie Laine R. Odchigue

Vanessa E. Mosqueda

Irish Tiffany Cornelio

Submitted to:

Mrs. Laarni Presidente-Pacamalan

Date: September 28, 2010                                                Room: STC 401

Section: PSC 10.1- BC                                                        Time: 5:40PM –6:55PM (TTh)

Rationale/Background of the Study

        Historically, the amount of  generated by human population was insignificant mainly due to the low , coupled with the fact there was very little exploitation of . Common wastes produced during the early ages were mainly ashes and human & , and these were released back into the ground locally, with minimal . With the advent of , waste management became a critical issue. This was due to the increase in population and the massive migration of people to industrial towns and cities from rural areas during the 18th century. There was a consequent increase in industrial and  posing threat to  and environment.

        The increasing industrialization and fast growth does not only pose problems related to the allocation of resources and powers, but also severely challenges the natural environment. Environmental degradation such as contaminated water, sinking groundwater levels, unhealthy soils, and polluted air has become a harsh reality in many parts of India. Noteworthy, a damaged local environment hits the most vulnerable groups of society the hardest. Poor and marginalized people lack the resources needed to reduce the negative effects of a degraded environment. At the same time, they are usually directly dependent on their close natural environment for their daily survival. One result of a rapid urbanization, a slowly reducing gap between urban and rural, changing consumption patterns, and a growing population is the problem of waste.

        Waste can take many forms. It may be solid, liquid, gas, or in some cases radioactive. Some is non-hazardous while some can be quite hazardous, especially if not handled properly. It is a matter of major concern for many people and companies. Improper handling of solid waste and indiscriminate disposal in open spaces, road margins, tank beds, and etcetera, give rise to numerous potential risks to the environment and to human health. Direct health risks mainly concern those working in the field without using proper gloves, uniforms, and etcetera; a high percentage of waste workers and individuals who live near or on disposal sites are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, worms, and related organisms.  

        For the public, the main risks to health are indirect and related to poor water, land, and air quality. In addition, infrequent collection of waste provides an attractive breeding ground for flies and rats.  The most obvious environmental damage caused by solid waste is aesthetic, i.e. waste that litter public areas is ugly and smelly. A more serious risk is the transfer of pollution to ground water and land as well as the pollution of air from improper burning of waste. Many waste activities generate greenhouse gases; e.g., landfills generate methane and refuse fleets are significant sources of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Open burning dumpsites produce volatilized heavy metals (e.g. mercury and lead), dioxins, and furan. Leachate from unlined and uncovered dumpsites contaminates surface and ground waters.

        A damaged local environment will first hit the most vulnerable groups of society, those who lack the resources needed to reduce the negative effects of a degraded environment. In addition, people living under poor circumstances are also directly dependent on their close natural environment for their daily survival. Management of waste can involve many things. It encompasses collecting waste material and processing it in some way, or trying to recycle it. It can have both health and environmental implications.

        In Cagayan de Oro City, many barangays like Barangay Nazareth already instituted waste management systems for proper waste disposal. Unfortunately, not all people after all are aware that the one piece of waste material they are sending to landfills or incinerators constitutes a greater threat to the environment. Presently, calls to recycle and waste reduction are widely active and various projects and campaigns are launched every day. In order to slowly catch the attention of those who remain passive regarding issues like this, Barangay Nazareth implemented the ordinance “Tugkaran ko, Limpyohan ko.” This is implemented by posting sign boards around the locality especially in the streets to always remind the residents of their responsibility of properly disposing their wastes. It is well documented that success in waste management is only possible with public participation and involvement in these matters. Many of the city’s waste problems are caused by public ignorance, or in some instances public carelessness, with regard to the protection of the environment. It is therefore imperative for the locality to strengthen the area of community education and awareness raising.

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        Recently, a new resolution was passed that every last Friday of the month is a Scheduled Barangay Clean up Drive participated by all members of the Barangay Council, Sangguniang Kabataan, Barangay BNS/BHW, Barangay Employees and Staff, all Barangay Tanod/ Traffic Enforcers, Office of the CSWD and Day Care Teachers, and Barangay Nazareth Social Services Office at 6 AM until 10 in the morning.

        In connection to these projects, the barangay with the approval of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) proposed a Bioreactor to rapidly transform and degrade organic waste and use it as organic fertilizers. A bioreactor has been defined ...

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