The Issue

  We, the residents of Barangay San Sebastian, Jones, Isabela, demand the following improvement in our waste management practices and adoption of a circular economy within our community. The prevailing situation on waste disposal and recycling systems has led to pollution and a health hazard to the people, which is degrading the quality of our local ambiance. So, in commitment to San Sebastian, we strongly feel the call to articulate and support sustainable practices that protect our communities' health and aesthetic beauty.

 The population boom and the continued development of San Sebastian, economy fueled a lot of production, which in turn will eventually give way to the increase of waste. Unfortunately, however, our mechanism for managing waste did not evolve along with it. Open and water spaces are now being choked with garbage bins, unsegregated waste disposal, and improper illegal dumping into open and water spaces. In the past, there existed regular community clean-up drives and fixed schedules for waste collection. However, with time, numerous fragmented collections and very little recycling facilities were experienced. Deficits also exist in infrastructure and information provision to support sustainable practices like composting, recycling, and material reuse.

  Waste management issues have adverse effects for every citizen, but worse for those who stay close to the collection points and the waterways because improper disposal can cause severe health risks. Such issues also mar the aesthetics of our neighborhood, which should make our environment more aesthetically pleasing. Improvement in waste management and circular economies shall reduce the pile of waste, increase sustainability, and help unlock economic opportunities through recycling and up cycling. Informing the residents about segregation of waste and the establishment of strong recycling programs will mean having a healthy, clean, and productive community.

Upgrade the waste management infrastructure: increase the number of waste bins and regular time for the collection of waste.