Waste management vs swine flu

The African swine flu (ASF) cases continue to soar for the past months in the country, facing challenges not just to food security but also to Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Law).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) based in their study/analysis determined that one of the causes of the ASF in the country is the improper disposal of food wastes which are being reuse in piggeries by feeding to livestock or pigs.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said that it is the responsibility of all local government units to see to it that all wastes, including biodegradables and food wastes, be properly disposed.

Thus, he directed all DENR Regional Offices and EMB Regional Offices to issue advisory to all local government units to strictly comply with the provisions of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 by property addressing both residual and biodegradable wastes in their area of jurisdiction where collection of food wastes should be done by the local government units.

Cimatu also emphasized that the direct collection of private individuals to establishments to buy or ask for food wastes, is strictly not be allowed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines heightened the post-marketing surveillance and audit is being conducted on all concerned and covered establishments to ensure full compliance with the FDA order.

Violators are liable under Republic Act 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, Republic Act 10611 (Food Safety Act of 2013) and other pertinent laws.

The ASF is a viral disease that is contagious to animals but not in humans, has no treatment and vaccination and no known cure, and could put the swine industry at risk, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 is one of the major priority programs of Environmental Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, highlighting the proper solid waste disposal and management of the Materials Recovery Facility. (DENR)