DENR shuts down 4 illegal open dumpsites in Pampanga

At least four open dumpsites in Pampanga have been shut down for violating ecological solid waste management law, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Wednesday.

The four dumpsites were illegally operating at Lara village in City of San Fernando, Maliwalo in Bacolor town, and barangays San Jose Matli and Matli Dos in Porac.

Under the law, establishment and maintenance of an open dumpsite is strictly prohibited.

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda issued the cease and desist order (CDO) against the City of San Fernando, and municipal governments of Bacolor and Porac over the operation of these illegal dumpsites.

Mixed garbage of plastics, diapers, styrofoam, and even hospital wastes like syringe and tube were found in the dumpsite.

"Poor waste management at dumpsites poses serious threats not just to the environment, but also to public health. That is why, we are taking our messaging to uphold proper waste disposal to a higher level to encourage communities, especially our local government units, to not make open fields as repository areas for wastes," Antiporda said.

According to him, the DENR will keep on monitoring illegal dumpsites, which, he said, bears a serious impact to the ongoing cleanup and rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Concerned local governments will be given seven days to explain the illegal operation of the dumpsites, as supported by necessary documents, clearances and other permits.

If local government officials and officials of national agency are found guilty, they may face administrative charges with the local government code, the DENR said.

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act states that “no open dumps nor any practice or disposal of solid waste that constitutes open dumps for solid waste shall be allowed.” —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News