LINGAYEN, Pangasinan - The second round of the provincewide Search for Model Barangays on Eco-Waste Management System will take off in October.

This was announced by lawyer Zoilo Andin, executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), during the two-day provincial summit on Solid Waste Management hosted by the provincial government recently.

The second nationwide search is a “follow through” of the 2004 search wherein the province of Pangasinan landed in the fourth slot with the Material Recovery Facility of Barangay Bued in Calasiao as entry. More than 1,000 barangays all over the country participated in the search.

Barangay Bued through Barangay Captain Carlito Dion received a mini-dump truck as additional prize from Gov. Victor Agbayani.

The holding of the two-day summit was conceptualized by the governor to encourage other barangays to participate in this year’s search.

Landin said the search aims to recognize and qualify the efforts of barangays nationwide which have successfully implemented the R.A. 9003 otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and to provide incentives for those who have excelled.

According to Landin, this year’s search has some modifications wherein all participating barangays will be categorized into five levels based on internal revenue allotment.

The barangays that has an annual IRA below P500,000 belong to Group A; group B P500,001 to 600,000, group C 600,001 to 700,000; group D with 700,001 to 900,000 IRA and Group E 900,000 and above.

The top model barangays for Ecological Solid Waste Management in each level that reach the national round will receive the grand prize of P1M each.

Distinctions shall also be given to municipalities, cities and provinces with outstanding programs such as Best Overall Ecological Solid Waste Management Program, Best Practices in Bio waste Management, Recycling and Residual Waste Management.

The two-day summit was participated in by mayors, municipal planning development officers, ABC presidents and some barangay captains.

The summit was a joint effort of the provincial government, DENR, DILG, Tanggol Kalikasan, and the Capitol Solid Waste Management Team headed by Provincial Administrator Atty. Virgilio Solis, Jr.

The winner in the provincial level will represent the province in the regional competition. (PIO/Merly R. Tibalao)