MALVAR, Batangas – “MAY pera sa basura (There’s money in the garbage)” and this project will greatly help our municipality in addressing problems associated with waste management.” Thus, Mayor Artemio Abu said as he receives in behalf of the Municipality of Malvar, the refurbished Material Recovery Facility (MRF) from the Japan Tobacco International (JTI) – Philippines, Friday afternoon.
“Malaking bagay po yan dito sa atin sa bayan ng Malvar dahil ang sabi ko nga pag hindi natin na-manage nang husay ang garbage natin, maraming social problem na pwedeng idulot ang waste management ng basura,” the mayor added.
At least close to a hundred personnel, from garbage truck haulers, drivers, segregators, machine operators, among others, will be benefitting from the newly refurbished facility.
It was an old garbage transfer station facility where the garbage collected by haulers from the 15 barangays of Malvar were being segregated, the recyclables being separated, and the residual wastes and biodegradables are hauled for transferring to the contracted haulers to sanitary landfills.
“We are very grateful that our personnel will have a dignified working station, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) head Editha U Eusebio said.
THE 15 barangays of this town is set to benefit from sustainable waste management and additional livelihood opportunities courtesy of an “ecocycle resource facility” funded by the private sector.
The JTI Philippines has turned over the materials recovery facility (MRF) in a simple ceremony Friday afternoon with both Malvar and JTI officials in attendance.
Environment is a big thing for us, protecting the environment is very important to JTI. This MRF is one of the many examples of what we are doing on our stead,” Shaiful Mahpar, JTI Corporate Affairs and Communication Director said.
With its multi-billion peso worth production plant within LIMA Estate in Brgy. Santiago, Malvar, JTI Philippines is committed to corporate responsibility that extends beyond the workplace , actively engaging in community and environmental initiatives to create positive impact.
“Sustabninable solid waste management is not simply collecting the garbage, “ Mayor Abu said. Proper collection prevents drainage from clogging, thereby further preventing flooding; proper disposal prevents contaminating water sources thereby promoting health; and refraining from burning garbage prevents pollution in the air.
The MRF facility will help locals collect more usable discarded materials, allowing them to make more money and eventually, transcend their dependence on government dole-outs.
The collected plastic wrappers are being pounded and packed for selling to a local cement factory.|
