What used to be a dirty and foul-smelling dumpsite for over two decades in Barangay Tapuac, Dagupan City has turned into a flourishing vegetable garden.

The old Material Recovery Facility (MRF) of the barangay was recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 1 as a model for waste management.

Barangay officials said the vegetables grown in the garden are for the residents where they can take anything for free.

“Ang mga gulay na ‘yan ay [para] sa mga constituents, kung sino ang may gusto na humingi — libre ‘yan,” Sidney Lomboy, the Barangay Chairman, said.

Residents said they are now living more comfortably without the stench from the old dumpsite. 

“Parang beautification ng ating barangay. Wala na ‘yung basura na matagal ng problema,” Alfredo Danawa, one of the residents, said.

While the new MRF is being set up, as of this writing, the barangay officials still face challenges with proper waste segregation. 

“Hindi pa 100 percent na nasi-segregate sa kabahayan, 50 percent ang nasi-segregate. ‘Yung 50 percent, kailangang i-segregate para makolekta ng siyudad,” Lomboy said.