A Study About Policy Implementation of the Republic Act (R.A.

) 9003

in Barangay Liozon

Hazel Anne Navarro

Reynier Dela Cruz
Janel Miranda
Diana Divino
Anne Margaret Dullas
Ronen Joseph Estimo
Kent Victor Broniola
Johnpaul Falaminiano
Johnrey Fernandez

February 2024
Executive Summary

Republic act (RA) 9003 is a law implemented in the Philippines that aims to gives

local government units (LGUs) the necessary institutional framework, policy framework,

and mandate to achieve a 25% reduction in waste through the establishment of integrated

solid waste management plans based on the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycling). This law

establishes the institutional framework and incentives required to address public health,

economic concerns, and other environmental issues.

In the municipality of Palauig, in the province of Zambales, there is a barangay

with the name of Liozon. We observed the area for two days and spoke with the people,

noting that one of its problems is the burning of rubbish debris, such as dried leaves,

wood, and plastic, next to the main road. R.A. 9003 states that this kind of action is

manifestly unlawful and is subject to a fine ranging from 600 to 4,000 pesos as well as a

jail term ranging from six months to six years and one day.

Republic Act (RA) 9003 is a suitable law that could ease the issues with

combusting rubbish of barangay Liozon based on the results of the study we conducted.

Implementing this law in the said Barangay is a bit challenging for some different factors.

First to consider in implementing this law is the discipline from the residents. According

to the residents we spoke with, they are aware that burning trash beside their barangay's

roads is against the law but they still do it because there is no regular garbage collection

in their barangay which leaves them no choice but to burn their garbage waste beside the

roads of their barangay. The second thing that we need to consider is the fund being

allocated to this law. The Barangay Secretary on behalf of the Barangay Captain stated
that implementation on any laws or regulations is hard especially when there is scarcity

of funds.

Moreover, the aim of this study is to develop several suggestions that may or

might assist Barangay Liozon in resolving their general community problem. We

gathered sufficient data through interviews with all participation from the barangay

officials and the citizens within the outskirts of the barangay, and furthermore assessed

them through brief data analysis. The main focus of this study is to apply the adverse

effects of combusting garbage by the road and constant littering in a community's moral

characterization in terms of abiding law and order for the community, specifically, for

proper waste disposal; how their barangay officials dealt with the occurring issue; and

how and why this issue should be resolved in an immediate manner with the citizens

themselves as the main beneficiary towards the end.

Background and Rationale

Waste may be purposefully burned in places without sufficient waste management

systems to make room at disposal sites, to make it easier to scavenge non-combustible

commodities (like metals) for money, or to be used as a heat source. Waste may

spontaneously fire in uncontrolled landfills and dump sites as a result of a variety of

circumstances, including the releases of flammable methane gas from biodegrading trash

(Open Waste Burning Prevention, 2012). In the municipality of Palauig, in the province

of Zambales, there is a barangay with the name of Liozon. During two days of

observation and interviewing the residents, we have noted that one of its issues is the

combustion of garbage waste, such as dried leaves, wood, and plastics beside its

highways. According to Republic Act (RA) 9003, this kind of action is obviously illegal,

and punishable by a fine of between 600 and 4,000 pesos as well as a sentence of six

months to six years and one day in jail.

On December 20, 2000, the Philippine Congress approved RA 9003, and on

January 26, 2001, the President's Office gave its approval. It has seven (7) chapters that

are further broken into 66 sections, outlining the policy direction for the nation's

successful solid waste management program. The adoption of a systematic, all-

encompassing, and ecological SWM program is recognized as a national policy by RA

9003, which names local government units (LGUs) as the primary implementers. The Act

requires the establishment of SWM Boards at all levels of government, including the

Philippine barangay, the lowest level of political and administrative organization. Also,

the Act forbade open dumping and instructed local governments to make them sanitary

landfills (Antonio, 2008).

 According to the Republic Act (R.A.) 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid

Waste Management Act of 2000, gives local government units (LGUs) the necessary

institutional framework, policy framework, and mandate to achieve a 25% reduction in

waste through the establishment of integrated solid waste management plans based on the

3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycling). Through this law, barangay officials in a community

can ensure the protection of the public health and environment, utilize environmentally-

sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and encourage

resource conservation and recovery , set guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance

and volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures,

including composting, recycling, re-use, recovery, green charcoal process, and others,

before collection, treatment and disposal in appropriate and environmentally sound solid

waste management facilities in accordance with ecologically sustainable development

principles, and ensure the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and

disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of the best environmental

practice in ecological waste management excluding incineration.

Ecological solid waste management ought to be a way of life, according to Loren

Legarda (2017), the primary author of Republic Act (RA) 9003. “We have a very good

law but effective implementation rests in the effort of everyone. Local government units

(LGUs), including the barangays, should lead strict implementation by setting up

materials recovery facility (MRF), implementing no segregation/no collection rule,

closure and rehabilitation of open/controlled disposal facility, use of sanitary landfill or

alternative technology, and submission of 10-year solid waste management plan,”.

 The law states that recyclables must go to the junk shops and biodegradable waste

is composted, used as animal feed, or converted into biogas. The city or municipal truck

should only pick up remaining waste. The Environmental Management Bureau will work

with the city/municipal MRF to properly process or dispose of special or hazardous waste

in the meantime. The barangay is in charge of making sure that within its area of

coverage, a 100% collection efficiency is attained from residential, commercial,

industrial, and agricultural sources. The burning of rubbish waste at an open dump is

prohibited by this law. Sites with open dumps are not permitted as final disposal

locations. If there is an open dump site inside the city or municipality, the plan must

include preparations for its eventual phase-out within the time range set forth in the

framework and in accordance with Section 37 of this Act. A municipality, city, or group

of municipalities and/or cities may instead establish and operate sanitary landfill sites as

the final disposal location for their solid and, eventually, residual wastes. Sanitary

landfills must be built and run in conformity according to the law. Through this law, one

of the illegal acts that can be avoided is the combustion of garbage beside the roads in

some barangays. Burning forbidden items, such trash, plastic, and painted or treated

wood,is one of the biggest issues that Barangay Liozon faces. This is bad for the

environment because these items release noxious chemicals that contaminate the air. Both

humans and animals can breathe in polluted air, which can then be deposited on plants, in

soil, and in surface waters.

After the effective date of this Act, it is further stated that no open dumps shall be

established or operated, nor shall any person, including LGUs, engage in any practice or

disposal of solid waste that involves the use of open dumps for solid waste: Provided,
That within three (3) years after the effective date of this Act, every LGU shall convert its

open dumps into controlled dumps.

In addition, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said that the commemoration of RA

9003 anniversary should serve as a "constant reminder to the public to be mindful of

segregating their wastes and disposing them properly," adding that "now more than ever,

the public should be mindful of their consumption as more wastes are produced during

the pandemic” (Miguel, 2022). This law mandates that barangays should separate various

types of solid waste for reuse, recycling, and composting; transport solid waste from

sources or collection points to processing facilities or final disposal facilities; issue and

enforce ordinances to successfully implement a collection system in the barangay; and

provide officers and workers who have received the appropriate training to handle solid

waste disposal.

With the help of the recycling and composting components, the LGU must reduce

the amount of solid waste disposed of in accordance with the diversion requirements of

Section 20 of this law using the techniques outlined in the source reduction component's

program and implementation schedule. In addition to other source reduction strategies,

such as but not limited to, programs and financial incentives provided under Section 45

of this Act to reduce the use of non-recyclable materials, replace disposable materials and

products with reusable materials and products, reduce packaging, and improve efficiency,

the LGU source reduction component shall include the evaluation and identification of

rate structures and fees for the purpose of reducing the amount of waste generated.

Given that segregation of wastes shall primarily be conducted at the source, to

include household, institutional, industrial, commercial, and agricultural sources, the

LGUs shall evaluate alternative roles for the public and private sectors in providing

collection services, type of collection system, or combination of systems, that best meet

their needs.

The Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has

filed administrative cases against local government officials for violating waste disposal

regulations by allowing open dumpsites within their jurisdictions (Leilani, 2019). The

National Solid Waste Management Act forbids the operation of open dumpsites, which

the officials are accused of enabling. The law, which was passed in 2000, particularly

requires local governments to shut any open dumpsites within five years of its passage.

Since they pose a "severe threat to the environment and public health," the law also

forbids the construction of new open dumpsites.

Objectives

Republic Act 9003's primary goal is to give the local government unit (LGU)

access to complete ecological solid waste management programs that would help them

avoid the negative impacts of improper management and other garbage crises. According

to the law, the LGU is required to use source-based waste classification and segregation,

proper collection and transport, recycling, and composting. By allocating funds,

outlawing particular actions, and establishing penalties, this law establishes the

institutional framework and incentives required to address public health, economic

concerns, and other environmental issues.

According to SDS Admin (2019), the ecological solid waste management program of

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management

Bureau (DENR-EMB) aims to ensure the protection of public health and the environment
through a systematic, comprehensive and ecological waste management. The program is

also expected to assist Local Government Units in implementing RA 9003 or the

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act particularly in the development of their 10-year

Solid Waste Management Plan, Establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities, and an

Environmentally Sound Disposal System. This program will contribute to target 12.5

which aims to substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction,

recycling and reuse.

Findings

The Barangay Liozon Captain said that they don’t have any ordinance regarding

this matter, instead they are adhering to the R.A. 9003, national law ecological solid

waste management. When the residents were asked about their opinions regarding the

combustion of garbage waste beside the road in their barangay, the residents unanimously

agreed that the behavior was harmful to both their environment and the health of the

residents near the road.

 Figure 1. Residents who are Affected

According to 86% of the residents we spoke with, they are not much impacted

because nearly no one burns garbage in their area and they reside in "looban". On the

other hand, 14% of them stated that they are affected in terms of their health. "dapat may

naghahakot ng basura at nakaka-suffocate," said one of the residents who said that they

are impacted by the combustion of garbage wastes beside the roadways of their barangay.

Residents who were interviewed acknowledged that the barangay had established

adequate waste segregation; nevertheless, some of the residents were arrogant and failed

to adhere to the basic instructions for doing so. Even the residents of the said barangay

tells us that there are many residents that lack discipline in segregating their own garbage

waste. In fact, barangay tanod rove around the barangay especially in Liozeland to

remind everyone not to throw their trash anywhere.

“We do implement the solid waste management act, however this municipality

(Palauig) has no MRF (Material Recovery Facility), and no garbage collection that will

facilitate the EWM (Ecological Waste Management)” said by the Barangay Officials of

barangay Liozon. Even the residents noticed that there is no collection of garbage in their

barangay, which leaves them no choice but to burn their waste beside the roads. In

addition to the residents' lack of discipline, the Barangay Captain of Barangay Liozon

claims that an inadequate budget makes it difficult to enforce rules or regulations.

Most of the residents see garbage collection as one of the solutions that would

help their barangay in decomposing their waste. According to the graph, 75% of the

residents who were interviewed understood the value of garbage collection and said it

would improve the cleanliness of their barangay, while 25% showed no awareness at all.
Also, 6 out of the 8 residents we interviewed admitted that they also burn their garbage

beside the roads of their barangay because they do not have enough space in their

backyards to decompose their garbage waste.

Figure 2. Residents of Barangay Liozon Who Notices Garbage Collection

Figure 3. Suggested Solutions by the Residents

 Garbage collection was cited as the best option for their barangay by 64% of

respondents. They suggested that garbage should be collected every day. Whereas 18%

responded that residents' discipline is also essential for keeping their barangay clean, and

9% said that landfills and proper segregation are still great solutions for their problem,

which is the combustion or burning of garbage waste beside their barangay roads. We can

infer from the responses of the locals that neither they nor the barangay officials are

taking any action to address the issue.

Some residents of Barangay Liozon who we spoke with claimed that occasionally

the officials of the aforementioned barangay lack initiative. Owing to this problem,

residents of barangay Liozon are forced to burn their waste beside their barangay's

highways. This resident's behavior is seriously detrimental to both the environment and

their health.

Based on the residents, having R.A. 9003 implemented in their barangay is such a

big help but lacking in terms of implementing properly. One of the residents we spoke

with believes that this law is crucial for the environment and having a landfill in their

barangay could help them in decomposing their garbage properly.

Based on the interviews we’ve done with the barangay captain and residents of

barangay Liozon, we’ve found out that cooperation is what they need to solve their

problem like combusting garbage wastes beside its roads.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study we have conducted, we can conclude that R.A.

9003 is an adequate law that could facilitate the problems in combusting garbage of

barangay Liozon. This law has fair penalties and fines as well. We've also come to the
conclusion that cooperation in their barangay is essential. We can also conclude that there

are many factors to consider in terms of creating or implementing a law or program,

especially the fund that is being allocated for a certain law or program.

Recommendations

1. The Barangay Officials must have a regular meeting including the residents

regarding garbage composting so that they can monitor and assess the status of

garbage composting in the barangay and can create a better program for their

barangay.

1) Implementing regular collection of garbage in the barangay. According to the

barangay officials and residents, the garbage collection program that is included

in the RA. 9003 has not been implemented by their municipality, therefore, we

suggest conducting fundraising activities to provide a bicycle with a sidecar for a

cheaper cost that could help them implement regular garbage collection on their

own.

2) Alongside their roads, the Barangay Officials might also place garbage cans with

partitions for recyclables, non-biodegradable waste, and biodegradable waste.

3) The Barangay Officials may hire workers who will be responsible for cleaning,

segregating and collecting garbage. These workers may be given honorarium for

the community services they will provide.

4) The Barangay Officials may conduct a seminar at least twice a year for the

residents of the barangay to gain knowledge and awareness about garbage

composting. This seminar will teach the residents on how to reduce, reuse,

recycle, and properly segregate their garbage waste

5) The Barangay Officials could also start a landfill project where they can let the

biodegradable garbage they collect in their regular garbage collection program

decompose to be utilized in natural or agricultural ways, commonly, acting as

natural fertilizer for plants.

6) The SK Officials may conduct a program which encourages the youth to

cooperate, help and have fun. For example, having a “fun walk” or an objective

marathon thrice a year to collect garbage on the street.