950 tons of trash collected from four Metro Manila cemeteries, says MMDA

Even before November 1, the day cemeteries are most crowded, some 150 truckloads or over 950 tons of garbage had already been hauled off from the four major cemeteries in Metro Manila, according to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

In an interview on Balitanghali on Wednesday, MMDA chairman Thomas Orbos said the MMDA expects more garbage from the cemeteries after November 1.

"Ang total ay 150 trucks ang ating naiho-haul sa four major cemeteries, but that was only the other day," he said, referring to October 31. "I expect ito baka maging substanstial pa ito ngayong araw." 

Orbos said the MMDA gathered the most garbage at the Manila North Cemetery, Metro Manila's biggest public cemetery.

"Yung [Manila North Cemetery] pa rin ang pinakamarami sa ngayon siguro dahil sa pinakamalaki yan na semeteryo sa Metro Manila," he added.

During the interview, Orbos noted an additional seven truckloads of garbage were hauled from Manila North Cemetery.

Meanwhile, Orbos expressed his dismay over the lack of discipline from the public regarding proper waste management.

"Talagang nakakalungkot na ang ating mga kababayan ay hindi pa rin talaga maipatupad yung paglilinis ng kanilang kalat sa mga sementeryo," he said.

Orbos said the public tends to ignore the "bring your own basura" campaign of the MMDA despite constant reminders from the agency and the media.

"Yun ang pinakamatagumapay sanang kampanya kung ginawa nila yan, kung ano ang dinala nila yun din ang iuuwi nila e di sana walang problema. Siguro talagang napakahirap gawin yan kahit taon-taon pinaalalahanan natin," he said, adding other government services are also sacrificed due to waste management for All Saints' Day.

"It takes out the resources of the government. Tandaan niyo talagang pag ginagawa yan, instead na maka-focus sa ibang trabaho yun mga kasama natin sa gobyerno ay lalong kailangan pang bigyan ng pansin yan," Orbos said.

Orbos said the MMDA will continue gathering garbage in Metro Manila until November 3, or until all cemeteries are garbage-free. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News