Dagupan City has banned scavenging at its dumpsite to ensure safety as rehabilitation works on the dumpsite progresses.

For months, Elino Almonte, a scavenger from Barangay Bonuan Boquig, has been unable to enter the dumpsite to collect recyclables.

Although the ban affects the livelihood of scavengers like Almonte, he understands its importance.

“Nag-iikot na lang kami sa mga barangay, sa mga bahay para kumita pa rin,” he said.

The barangay is helping enforce the no-entry policy and ensuring that no scavengers slip inside the dumpsite.

“Makikita ninyo dati may mga tent pa sa loob, doon nakatira ang mga scavenger. Ngayon, wala na,” Barangay Chairman Joseph Maramba said.

To support scavengers affected, the barangay has provided them with jobs, including waste segregation work.

Maramba said the main concern behind the ban is the health and safety of former dumpsite workers.

“Ang concern kasi natin diyan ay ang health ng mga nagpupunta doon,” he added.