San Carlos City earns DENR waste management award

1 of 5

San Carlos City in Negros Occidental was recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for best practices in ecological solid waste management during the 25th anniversary celebration of Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The recognition was conferred on Jan. 27 at Novotel Araneta, marking a milestone event that brought together national and local government leaders to assess progress in waste reduction, segregation and recycling efforts since the law’s enactment.

The award was presented by DENR–Environmental Management Bureau concurrent Director and assistant secretary for environment Jacqueline Caancan and received by Arthur A. Batomalaque, chair of the San Carlos City Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

Batomalaque was accompanied by Vicente Losbañes, officer in charge of the Environmental Management Bureau–Negros Island Region, underscoring the regional collaboration behind the city’s programs.

DENR said the recognition reflects San Carlos City’s sustained efforts in implementing innovative and community-driven ecological solid waste management initiatives, which have positioned the city as a model for local government units nationwide.

San Carlos City represented the Negros Island Region during the ceremony, highlighting its role in advancing Republic Act 9003 compliance beyond urban centers in Luzon.

The anniversary event featured panel discussions and open forums, information booths, the signing of a pledge of commitment and digital pledge, and a recognition ceremony honoring exemplary local government units and partners in ecological solid waste management.

Among those present were DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Undersecretary for Field Operations for Luzon and Visayas Juan Miguel Cuna, and former president and current lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, reflecting broad government support for strengthening waste governance more than two decades after the law’s passage. (Photos courtesy of SP Member Arthur Batomalaque)