IN an effort to enhance its garbage disposal system, the local government unit of Naga, through its Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO), is organizing a seminar-workshop.

The initiative aims to familiarize the city’s 27 barangays with effective approaches for waste management, capacitating them to characterize, interpret, and analyze waste. The waste data gathering and analysis seminar is scheduled for, March 22. It will be conducted on the second floor of the PAGCOR Multipurpose Evacuation Center at the Balatas Development Complex.

Engr. Joel Martin, head of SWMO, emphasizes that the project intends to deepen waste management practices. Key components include garbage segregation, active stakeholder participation, proper disposal of biodegradable waste, and accurate identification of recyclable materials.

Participants in the seminar-workshop will include members of barangay councils responsible for environmental matters, personnel overseeing Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in the barangays, and SWMO staff.

Edgar Sanorjo, SWMO Administrative Officer V, highlights the importance of this activity. It will equip MRF overseers with the necessary knowledge to complete the MRF Weekly Monitoring Form and the Self-Compliance Monitoring and Auditing Report (SCMAR).

These reports are crucial for the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) evaluation process for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) assessment.

“There are barangays that do not have accurate and updated data on MRF operations because their overseers are devoid of the proper training in MRF data recording and analysis, thus finding it difficult for the barangays to submit SCMAR on time,” Sanorjo said.

Alvin Recto, in charge of the city’s Waste Analysis and Characterization Study, emphasizes the significance of sharing best practices and case studies related to waste data management.

Gathering and analysis techniques will be imparted to the participants during the seminar, which, among other objectives, will serve as an avenue to foster collaboration and networking among the participants.