Last September 20, 2023, La Consolacion College Bacolod embarked on a significant endeavor with the University of Kassel, Germany, in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the Bacolod City Government. The principal objective of this cooperative effort was to engage in a thorough project scoping process for an upcoming research initiative centered on solid waste management and the mitigation of marine litter, with a specific emphasis on addressing the issue of plastic waste leakage.
The project scoping marked the initial step in this collaborative effort, designed to pave the way for an in-depth research endeavor dedicated to addressing the challenging issues of solid waste management and marine litter.
LCC Bacolod, an advocate for environmental stewardship, sent a dedicated team of representatives to participate actively in this project scoping activity. The LCC Bacolod team included Mr. Rejay Alvarado, SHS Academic Coordinator; Mr. Felix Adrian Dalida, Quality Assurance Officer; and Mr. Adryan Valiao, LCCB National Service Training Program and Institutional Environmental Advocacy Program Coordinator.
The journey commenced with a visit to the Libertad Market, a hub of activity in Bacolod City. This visit provided the delegation with valuable insights into local waste generation and disposal practices. Understanding the dynamics of waste generation at the grassroots level is instrumental in developing effective waste management strategies.
Representatives toured various barangays to inspect Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), which are essential components of solid waste management systems. These visits aimed to garner insights into the operation and effectiveness of these facilities. MRFs are critical in the segregation and recycling of recyclable materials, reducing the amount of waste destined for landfills. Understanding their functionality is crucial in optimizing waste diversion efforts.
An integral component of the project scoping involved the inspection of coastal areas spanning from Brgy 1 and Purok Himulaton at Brgy. Banago. This fieldwork allowed for a firsthand assessment of creeks and waterways, which often serve as conduits for marine litter. The inspection shed light on the environmental impact of improper waste disposal and highlighted the importance of preventing marine pollution, a global concern.
The delegation also visited the Bacolod City Sanitary Landfill in Brgy. Felisa, a pivotal site in the city’s waste disposal infrastructure. This visit facilitated a comprehensive understanding of waste disposal practices and provided an opportunity to engage with informal waste pickers and women’s groups operating within the landfill. Landfills are essential in managing non-recyclable waste, and this visit offered insights into the challenges faced by those working in waste management.
The scoping included a visit to the Rivson Goldplast Manufacturing Company in Brgy. Felisa, for its plastic recycling facility. This visit explored approaches to managing plastic waste, a critical aspect of the larger waste management puzzle. Plastic waste poses a significant environmental threat, and understanding the processes and technologies used in plastic recycling is crucial in developing strategies to reduce plastic pollution.
On September 21, 2023, representatives from the University of Kassel, Germany, and GIZ had a courtesy visit to the college. During this meeting, they engaged in discussions with Sr. Joan BC S. Infante, OSA, School President of LCC Bacolod. The focus of the conversation revolved around the potential partnership between the German group and LCC Bacolod for the upcoming research project.
The project scoping mission laid a solid foundation for the upcoming research project. It provided all stakeholders, including LCC Bacolod, the University of Kassel, GIZ, and the Bacolod City Government, with a deeper understanding of the local environmental challenges and opportunities for intervention.