The National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) jointly created an online short course on solid waste management (SWM), which is offered free to the public.
Pursuant to NSWMC Resolution No. 1424, Series of 2020, the commission’s technical working group and TESDA co-developed an e-learning material on the implementation of SWM in the workplace.
NSWMC is the primary agency tasked to implement the provisions of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The 17-member commission, which includes TESDA, is chaired by Secretary Roy A. Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
NSWMC Alternate Chair and DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units Concerns Benny D. Antiporda said the digital learning material was designed to help people practice effective SWM “while we are in the new normal.”
“Through this online course, we make learning SWM possible even while we are in a pandemic,” Antiporda pointed out.
“Gaining knowledge about best SWM practices is vital at this time because household health care waste, such as disposable face masks and gloves, must be disposed of properly,” he added.
The online short course has two units—Introduction to Ecological Solid Waste Management and Practicing Solid Waste Management.
The first unit includes lectures on Philippine environmental laws and regulations, ecological SWM, as well as sources of waste.
The second unit consists of lessons on waste segregation, composting, recycling, managing residual waste with potential for recycling, and proper waste collection, treatment and disposal.
Learners will have to take a test at the end of the course to earn a certificate.
“For those who have some time to spare during this lockdown, we suggest this as a good way to spend your time productively and learn something new that can help the environment,” Antiporda said.
Enrollment in the course is free through the TESDA website, https://www.e-tesda.gov.ph/.###
