TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to strengthen its solid waste management program and explore more sustainable waste disposal solutions, officials of the local government unit (LGU) of Arteche, Eastern Samar conducted a benchmarking visit to the municipality of Palapag, Northern Samar to study its thermal decomposition technology.
The visit, held on Jan.29, focused on Palapag’s use of a thermal decomposition machine, an environmentally sound system designed to significantly reduce the volume of solid waste and improve disposal efficiency.
The Arteche delegation was led by Vice Mayor Roland Boie Evardone, together with personnel from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and the Engineering Office. The group paid a courtesy call on Palapag Mayor Florence Batula and Vice Mayor Melvic Chy, who welcomed the initiative and shared the municipality’s experience in adopting the technology.
During the benchmarking activity, Palapag officials presented the operational process, sustainability measures, and challenges encountered in running the facility.
Arteche officials were also given a walkthrough of the waste management site, allowing them to observe the system in actual operation and assess its potential application in their own municipality.
Technical briefings were facilitated by Palapag MENRO staff Charlito Gorgonia and agricultural technician Sixto Ano, who explained the technical and environmental aspects of the thermal decomposition system.
Arteche officials said the activity was intended to gather best practices and practical insights that could help enhance the municipality’s waste management initiatives and overall environmental protection efforts.
Both local governments described the visit as an opportunity to exchange strategies and strengthen inter-local cooperation in advancing sustainable solid waste management in the region.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
