BARAS, Rizal – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Rizal, in coordination with the DOST-Industrial Development and Technology Institute (ITDI), conducted the Training-Workshop on Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) to the Local Government Units (LGU, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and barangay workforces) of Baras. This was conducted at D’ One Resort and Restaurant, Brgy. San Salvador, Baras, Rizal last June 27 and 29.
The training-workshop commenced with the opening remarks from Hon. Emman Olaño, SB Chairperson for Environment of LGU Baras. He anticipates that the impact of the training-workshop will help the municipality of Baras to lessen funds allocated to waste management. He added that this will open more opportunities for them to distribute the resources to other initiatives of the municipality, especially those that would help other constituents.
Experts from the DOST-ITDI provided a thorough discussion and lecture on the theme at hand. Engr. David L. Herrera, a Sr. Science Research Specialist, discussed the topics of the Republic Act No. 9003 and the health and safety guidelines of WACS; Dr. Myra L. Tansengco, a Supervising Science Research Specialist, tackled the basics, generator-based, and worksheets of Non-households for WACS; while, Engr. Joven R. Barcelo, a Science Research Specialist II, delved into the topics of determining the sample size, worksheets for households, and the end-of-pipe WACS to conclude the first day of the training-workshop.
The second day of the training-workshop involved a WACS Dry-Run in a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Sitio Paopaoan, Brgy. San Salvador, Baras, Rizal. With the guidance of Dr. Tansengco and Engr. Barcelo, the barangay functionaries were able to follow the hands-on activity. Fifty-nine (59) barangay officials from the ten (10) barangays in the municipality of Baras participated in the training workshop to update the LGU in their solid waste management plan.
Provincial S&T Director Fernando E. Ablaza delivered the closing remarks and is hoping for more similar S&T initiatives by LGUs in Rizal to implement in their localities. A photo opportunity after the awarding of certificates with the resource speakers marked the end of the event. Participants expressed their gratitude and are hoping to implement the skills and technologies imparted during the two-day training-workshop.
Waste analysis and characterization (WACS) is an important tool in determining the amount and composition of wastes generated by different sources as basis of LGUs in planning and implementing programs for a proper and effective solid waste management. It is also vital in updating their respective 10-year solid waste management plans. In the training-workshop, the LGUs were capacitated on how to conduct WACS-based on the new guidelines, as well as the preparation of their respective WACS sampling plans.#
