Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1655)
The primary policy of the State under Republic Act No. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, is to adopt a systematic, comprehensive, and sound ecological solid waste management program in the country.
Section 44 of RA 9003 mandates local government units to coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for purposes of jointly addressing common solid waste disposal facilities.
The Sanitary Landfill Disposal Facility of WACUMAN located in Sitio Tiyakad, Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan was declared as an alternative waste disposal site.
The facility serves the municipalities and cities of the Province of Bulacan, Metro Manila, and nearby areas.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Solid Waste Management Commission are tasked to regularly monitor the sanitary landfill.
The DPWH is tasked to supervise the maintenance of public roads in the vicinity of the sanitary landfill to facilitate smooth operation and delivery of waste disposal services.
The Provincial Government of Bulacan, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Local Government of Norzagaray, Bulacan are enjoined to encourage local and foreign investors in recycling and waste-to-energy projects.
Sections 2, 5, 9, 11, 16, 17, 40, 42, and 44 of RA 9003 are specifically mentioned regarding the policies, powers, procedures, and criteria for the siting and operation of sanitary landfills.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo exercised the powers vested in her by law as the President of the Republic of the Philippines to declare the WACUMAN Sanitary Landfill as an alternative waste disposal facility through Proclamation No. 1655.