The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its flagship project, Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) will extend assistance to the City Government of Puerto Princesa in an effort to reduce ocean plastic and in line with the US government’s commitment in preserving Palawan’s pristine environment.
CCBO aims to strengthen waste management systems, build circular economies city by city, and develop sustainable solutions that reduce ocean plastics while empowering vulnerable populations and mitigating pollution that affects human health and our climate.
In its statement, the USAID said that its first wave of grants will pilot projects, initiatives and solutions to stop the flow of plastic pollution to the waters within and surrounding the country, Manila Bay, including the Sulu Sea and West Philippine Sea.
They said that they are working at the global level and in specific, rapidly urbanizing focal countries, including the Philippines, to target ocean plastics directly at their source.
On March 24-25, 2022, the USAID CCBO team, Chief of Party and Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Expert, Jon Angin and Sanitary Landfill Expert (SLF), Bryan Stirrat, visited Puerto Princesa City to initiate discussions with the city government and community stakeholders on CCBO’s technical assistance to strengthen solid waste management efforts in the city.
They also conducted Sanitary Landfill Best Practices Training to members of the City Solid Waste Management Board (CSWMB) and their representatives, City ENRO and staff, and the City Solid Waste Management Program. The training was held on March 25, 2022 at Panya Resort.
Present during the activity were City Administrator Atty. Arnel M. Pedrosa, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Atty. Carlo B. Gomez, Acting Assistant City ENRO Cardelar Stevie Angel M. Madriñan, Atty. Mawe Palatino, Liga ng mga Barangay President Francisco “Cocoy” Gabuco. Also present were representatives from the City Solid Waste Management Program, Oplan Linis Program, City Planning and Development Office, etc.
During the training the USAID CCBO assured the City Government that they can provide technical assistance for the
Atty. Gomez explained that they are proposing for the creation of a separate department for the City Solid Waste Management.
The USAID-CCBO expressed their willingness to provide technical assistance to the city government for the closure of old SLF and creation of new SLF.
USAID’s CCBO was launched in 2019 as the agency’s flagship program to combat marine litter. One of seven focal countries, CCBO’s engagement in the Philippines comes at a pivotal time for progress on plastic pollution.
The CCBO’s grantees, have developed sustainable approaches and innovative solutions to advance the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) and solid waste management (SWM) to create cleaner cities and seas. In many cities, communities have begun to take action as plastic pollution has become one of the top priorities for governmental and grassroots efforts.
“With increased, strategic and coordinated efforts among government, private sector, and local communities, the Philippines, neighboring nations, and the rest of the world, can achieve meaningful and sustainable impacts that also help empower the most vulnerable,” the USAID said.