Hazardous waste IEC conducted for districts 11 and 12
In a series of Information and Education Campaign (IEC) regarding hazardous waste around the city, City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) Assistant head Engr. Marivic Empizo engaged Punong Barangays and Kagawads of District 11 and 12 at the Lualhati Barangay hall, Friday, Nov. 7.
Led by PB Julius Ampal, barangay officials of Country Club, Happy Hallow, Lualhati, Lucnab, Outlook Drive, South Drive, Atok Trail, Fort Del Pilar, Kias, Loakan Apugan, Loakan Liwanag and Loakan Proper listened and offered suggestions, views and recommendation for improved collection and less hazardous waste generation.
Engr. Empizo explained that hazardous waste including grease is generated from car and junk shops, car wash, school laboratories, hospital, clinics, manufacturing companies, malls, some of which, including households, are found in the area.
Used cooking oil from households, hotels and restaurants is considered hazardous waste, she added, which only accredited haulers could collect and ship out.
Collection of said hazardous waste entails a hazardous waste ID from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-CAR) which is under process, Empizo said. Once approved, the city may haul hazardous waste, for a fee.
Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) is hazardous waste as mercury, lead and other harmful elements are components of said technological creations.
Improper disposal of e-waste is harmful to the environment as it pollutes the air, land and water and causes human respiratory and reproductive illnesses, Empizo explained.
As of now, the Bakakeng Central Treatment, Storage and Disposal – Materials Recovery Facility (TSD-MRF) collects household and academic e-waste through the barangays, schools, the Aurora hill, Bayan Park and sustainability fairs at Malcolm Square, Empizo said.
Forty (40) barangays have collectively contributed more than 5,500 kg of e-waste from March 1 to July 29, 2025; with more coming from schools and sustainability fairs.
With more trainings in hazardous waste management awareness, regular monitoring and enforcement of haz-waste policies, the city could attain its goal of making Baguio a model for safe hazardous waste management.
The Punong Barangays of District 11 and 12 committed to help in lessening hazardous waste; used oil and grease, and e-waste; with assistance and guidance from the CEPMO and Environmental Management Bureau – Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office (EMP-DENR CAR).
Pollution Control Officer of the Bakakeng Central Treatment, Storage and Disposal – Materials Recovery Facility (TSD-MRF) Engr. Ronaldo Ballecer discussed the proposed hazardous waste ordinance which is still for reading at the City Council. – jgfianza
