Rep. Alfredo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) yesterday endorsed the proposal of the Third District Technical Working Group on Solid Waste Management for the establishment of a Unified Solid Waste Disposal Facility for the Third District.

He also rallied all the Third District mayors to endorse the proposal to their respective city and municipal councils for counterpart funding support from their Local Government Units, a press release from his office said.

The first phase of the construction of the Sanitary Land Fill (SLF) Facility proposed in E.B. Magalona will cost P262 million, and he committed a counterpart of P100 million for the project.

The move to consolidate and unify efforts for waste management was spearheaded by Benitez in 2010. The press release also said the unified district-wide approach that is now a reality in the Third District bringing together the resources of the LGUs and the Congressional Office is a first in the country.

On April 2, Benitez called for the First Metro Third Meeting in Talisay to discuss the alliance for the protection of the environment, the press release said.

The meeting was attended by Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, Talisay Mayor Eric Saratan, E.B. Magalona Mayor David Lacson, Silay Vice Mayor Mark Golez representing Mayor Jose Montelibano, and Victorias Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca representing Mayor Severo Palanca.

Also present were the LGU police chiefs, environment officers, housing program officers and representatives of Bantay Dagat, Bantay Katunggan, Bantay Bukid/Gubat and Bantay Dalan, it added.

Benitez underscored the need to clusterize efforts of the LGUs for better delivery of services in the District, noting the benefit of sharing resources to maximize efficiency of enforcement capabilities especially in the case of the various community-based volunteer groups tasked to monitor the environment in coastal, interior and upland areas in the province.

The body agreed to draw up agreements to formalize the synergy in Bantay Dagat, Bantay Katunggan, Bantay Bukid/Gubat, and Bantay Dalan for effective and efficient implementation of activities, the press release also said.

Benitez cited the concept of a Metro Third Alliance as a unique initiative in governance that will fuel transformation for development in the Third District, it added.*

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