Carmona Cavite

Prior to the passage of RA 9003, 4 sanitary landfills have been developed and operated in the Philippines. These are the Carmona (Cavite), San Mateo (Rizal), Subic Base (SBMA) and Inayauan (Cebu) SLFs. Thereafter, the Bais (Negros Oriental), CDC (Tarlac), Rodriguez (Rizal) and Puerto Princesa (Palawan) disposal facilities were constructed. The Carmona and San Mateo SLFs were developed and initially operated by the Department of Public works and Highways for Metro Manila though financing by the World Bank. These facilities began operations in 1990 and 1992, respectively. The Carmona SLF ceased operations in 1998. The San Mateo SLF stopped operations in 2000. The stoppage of operations of these disposal facilities were brought about by then mounting opposition not only by the communities surrounding them but by the residents occupying the roads leading to these facilities. These stakeholders complained about the unpleasant odor, contamination of surface and groundwater, presence of pests and vectors and the traffic and accidents brought about by the garbage trucks. Carmona boasts of being one of the cleanest towns in the province of Cavite. But for many years prior to this, Carmona served as the dumpsite of Metro Manila. Garbage from the metropolis was dumped into the 63-hectare landfill their community hosted. The sight of 80 to 100 truckloads of garbage being dumped into their town every week was not uncommon to the residents. Diseases and other health hazards soon became another issue the community had to deal with. Indiscriminate dumping of trash and a costly and ineffective solid waste management system only compounded the towns garbage problems. Residents thought they finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel when thenPresident Joseph Estrada ordered the landfill to be closed. But their satisfaction was shortlived as the landfill was promptly reopened following complaints on Metro Manilas garbage crisis. Carmonas local government decided that instead of petitioning for the landfill to be closed, it would try instead to turn their garbage crisis into an opportunity. Thus was born Balik Inang Kalikasan, Balik Amang Pabrika (BIKBAP). First, a massive information campaign on garbage disposal was conducted. A BIKBAP Gang was formed, comprised of volunteers from different non-government organizations, religious groups and senior citizens who meet every month. They go from house to house to campaign, organize eco-tours and slogan-making contests, and help enforce solid waste ordinances, which the local government adopted. It was not easy knocking on every door to encourage the citizens to do their part in cleaning up Carmona.The local government has set aside P5 million for the program, a portion of which was used to establish the Carmona Ecology Center. The Center has now become a showcase of good practice in solid waste management in the country. Additionally, an Organic Demo Farm helps visitors visualize the benefits of the program.