What is RA 9003?

An Act providing for anecological solid waste managementprogram, creating the necessaryinstitutional mechanisms, declaringcertain prohibited acts.

Salient Features of RA 9003?

Creation of the National Solid WasteManagement Commission, National EcologicalCenter and LGU Solid Waste ManagementBoards

Creation of multi-purpose EnvironmentalCooperatives or Associations in every LGU

Waste segregation, waste reduction andrecycling programs

Salient Features of RA 9003?

Construction of Material RecoveryFacilities/Systems

Conversion of open dumpsites to sanitarylandfills

Integration of Ecological Waste Managementconcepts in academic curricula for formal andnon-formal education

Administrative and enforcement procedures

Major Provisions of RA 9003?

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Actof 2000 (RA 9003) provides the legal frameworkfor the systematic, comprehensive and ecologicalsolid waste management program of thePhilippines, which shall ensure protection of publichealth and the environment. It emphasizes theneed to create the necessary institutionalmechanisms and incentives, and imposes penaltiesfor acts in violation of any of its provisions(NSWMC, 2005b).

Major Provisions of RA 9003?

The Republic Act 9003 specifically mandatesall, especially the local government units, to adopta systematic, comprehensive and ecological solidwaste management program which shall ensureprotection of public health and environment;utilize environmentally sound methods; set targetsand guidelines for solid waste avoidance andreduction; ensure proper segregation, collection,transport and storage of solid waste;

Major Provisions of RA 9003?

promote national research and developmentprograms for improved SWM; encourage greatersector participation; retain primary enforcementand responsibility of SWM with local governmentunits; encourage cooperation and self-regulationamong waste generators; institutionalize publicparticipation; and strengthen the integration ofecological solid waste management, resourceconservation and recovery topics into theacademic curricula.

Weakness

• Administrative/management issues

Political will of the local chief executivesplay a major role in the success ofimplementation of SWM programs. AlthoughSWM awareness is high among them, there stillseems a negative attitude from the localofficials. This negative attitude as well as a lackof initiative and responsibility among officials incarrying out the provisions of the law definitelyhinders its implementation.

Weakness

• Economic and Financial issues

While the national governmentencourages full implementation of the law, itdoes not provide any cost-sharing grants toLGUs to help them address SWM issues. Thesein turn, have hindered the full implementationof a comprehensive solid waste management.

Weakness

• Technical issues

As mandated by the Act, each LGU, throughits solid waste management board, is tasked tocreate a ten-year’s SWM plan, in order to helpthem carry out the provisions of the law.However, according to the NSWMC, most LGUshave communicated that they do not have thetechnical capability to do this on their own. Theyneed a lot of help in the formulation of theirSWM plans from the national government incoordination with other agencies.