Waste management experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provided a two-day training workshop for six Pangasinan Local Government Units (LGUs) to provide communities with science-based knowledge on proper waste management.
According to DOST, DOST Regional Office 1 (DOST-I), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Pangasinan, in collaboration with the DOST- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), conducted the Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) Training-Workshop that benefitted six LGUs in the Ilocos Region.
They were Dagupan City, Laoac, Dasol, Mapandan, Urdaneta City, and Rosario, La Union.
In accordance with Republic Act (RA) 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the participants were trained on how to use a streamlined method of conducting WACS as an essential input in the development of their municipality's ten-year solid waste management plans.
The training capacitated the participants on WACS, its functions, and its relevance in formulating strategies, programs, projects, and activities that could improve each LGU’s solid waste management programs.
DOST-IDI provided the waste management experts composed of Dr. Myra Tansengco, Engr. David Herrera, Ma. Theresa Arthuz, and Engr. Joven Barcelo, who served as resource speakers during the training.
DOST said that the participants gained a better understanding of R.A. 9003, the Basic WACS & procedures, the health and safety guidelines in conducting WACS, the preparation of worksheets for non-households and households, and WACS plan.
The primary function of WACS, according to DOST-ITDI experts, is to provide baseline data for LGU monitoring and performance evaluation of solid waste management plans and activities. Hence, WACS data can be utilized to identify relevant programs and strategies for LGUs' specific needs.
This endeavor is aligned with the country’s aim to expand science, technology, and innovation (STI) assistance to communities and production sectors, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSMEs), and to provide STI-based solutions for disaster risks and climate change adaptation and mitigation (SDG 6&13).
Likewise, this initiative supports the strategy of the current DOST administration on sustainability.