The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the Municipality of Banaybanay have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of a Municipal Sanitary Landfill (SLF) in Brgy. Panikian, Banaybanay, marking a significant step toward sustainable waste management and environmental preservation. The historic groundbreaking ceremony, led over by Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr. and Banaybanay Mayor Ian Lemuel M. Larcia, held at the SLF’s future site in Purok Nasa, signaled the commencement of the P10 Million project’s ambitious plan to improve waste management procedures and protect the local ecosystem.
The Provincial Government acknowledged the challenges that its constituent local government units (LGUs), including Banaybanay, had in building effective sanitary landfills. As waste management becomes an increasingly pressing concern, there is a clear need for collaborative efforts to close these gaps.
The new SLF in Banaybanay is positioned to be essential in maintaining public health, environmental integrity, and efficient waste management. It pledges to reduce the problems brought on by unmanaged garbage collection and contribute to a sustainable and regenerative future by following responsible waste disposal procedures.
The SLF will be built in accordance with the rigorous standards outlined in the National Solid Waste Management Commission’s (NSWMC) Technical Guidebook on Solid Waste Disposal Design, Operation, and Management. This landfill site will provide a safe and regulated setting for the disposal of solid waste, greatly lowering the possibility of groundwater and surface water contamination. The landfill’s robust structure reduces the possibility of leaks and spills, ensuring that hazardous waste items are kept separate from the environment.
Expressing his deep pleasure with this milestone, Governor Nino Sotero L. Uy, Jr., emphasized the significance of the MOA signing, stating that it “reflects the continued partnership between the Provincial Government and the LGUs and is just the beginning of the many development initiatives” under his administration. He further affirmed his commitment to supporting local governments in addressing the needs of their constituents, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that will drive progress in the province.
Governor Uy added, “Daghan pa ang mga proyekto ug inisyatibo nga buhaton sa Provincial Government ka-partner ang atong mga LGUs. With this, I firmly state my commitment to continue supporting our local governments here in the province para mas matabangan ang atong katawhan sa ilang panginahanglan.” He was also quick to laud the past administrations’ efforts in initiating these projects, which he is now carrying out for the benefit of the Oriental Dabawenyos.
Banaybanay’s SLF will be equipped with a dedicated Sanitary Landfill Cell, boasting a substantial capacity of 7,778 cubic meters and a three-year waste lifespan capacity. The facility also features leachable collection pipes, a wastewater pond system for leachate treatment with a volume of 2,739 cubic meters, providing a minimum of twenty days detention time, and flush boxes and catch basins, ensuring comprehensive waste management and containment. By Francis Jay Butulan | Photos by JB Rain
