November 6, 2024- A Knowledge Sharing Conference focused on pilot initiatives to combat marine litter in the Western Visayas region was recently held at Citadines Bacolod City. The event brought together environmental leaders, local officials, academics, and community members to discuss strategies and solutions for reducing plastic and other waste that threatens marine ecosystems.

Ms. Ma. Fe Trespuentes, head of Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), shared key initiatives aimed at tackling marine litter and plastic waste in the city. Among these efforts are the installation of waste traps at Mambulok Creek to capture debris before it reaches open water, and the ‘Trash to Cash Back’ program, designed to encourage recycling and promote environmental sustainability. This program incentivizes residents to participate in waste segregation and recycling, with the goal of reducing waste generation, increasing recycling rates, and fostering a community committed to environmental stewardship

The conference also featured international expertise, with Prof. Dr. Ralph Wagner and Katharina Raab from Germany’s University of Kassel presenting a Plastic Waste Flow Diagram and sharing their findings on plastic waste and its leakage points in Bacolod City. Additional insights came from local academic institutions, with the University of St. La Salle (USLS) presenting a study on river waste and microplastics, while La Consolacion College Bacolod (LCCB) shared findings from their research on ocean waste and the role of junk shops in waste management.

Mr. Aldwin Torquido of Bioflyt highlighted advancements in the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) community modules at Brgy. Felisa, which leverage these insects to manage organic waste effectively. Following these presentations, an open forum provided space for feedback and discussions on actionable next steps, with contributions from various community organizations, including testimonies from waste pickers and waste processors, representatives of Bacolod City, Friends of Hope’s “Aling Tindera” initiative, EnviroTech, and other stakeholders.

Also present were Bacolod City Councilor Kalaw Puentevella, representatives from Guimaras Environment Natural Resource Office (GENRO), GOPA Infra (GIZ contractor), Guimaras State University’s Save ME program, and Circular Cities Asia.

The conference was part of the larger GIZ-led 3RproMar project, aimed at supporting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in strengthening practices that reduce waste leakage from land to sea. With a vision to protect marine environments and coral reefs, the project advocates for a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” approach to tackle environmental challenges.

(Source: Bacolod City Public Information Office)