PGLU SUPPORTS INAUGURATION OF PH’S 1ST LANDFILL UNDER GRATUITOUS SPECIAL LAND USE PERMIT

SAN JUAN, La Union

The Local Government of San Juan, La Union has achieved a significant milestone in solid waste management with the inauguration of the first sanitary landfill in the Philippines under Gratuitous
Special Land Use Permit (GSUP). This landfill, located in Brgy. Lubing, San Juan, La Union, was inaugurated on May 25, 2023, and represents a collaborative effort between various government agencies and the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU).

The ceremony was attended by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, Mayor Arturo Valdriz, and officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Forester Felix Taguba, DENR-ARD, highlighted the significance of this facility being the first in the
country granted with a GSUP by the DENR. GSUP is a permit granted by the DENR that allows a
specific land area to be used for a particular purpose without any charge or compensation.

In the case of the first sanitary landfill in San Juan, La Union, it received a GSUP, which means that the land where the landfill is situated is being utilized for waste management purposes without any cost involved. Gov. Rafy emphasized the La Union PROBINSYAnihan spirit in this achievement,
acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the National Government Agencies, PGLU, and LGU San Juan. She stressed that the landfill represents a commitment to environmental protection and
ensuring a better future for the generations to come.

Mayor Valdriz likewise expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed in this milestone. He urged his constituents to embrace the culture of La Union PROBINSYAnihan and emphasized the need for cooperation among barangays to sustain the facility. Proper waste segregation and minimization were also highlighted as essential practices to extend the landfill’s lifespan. The DENR officials in attendance, including Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, Regional Director of DENR-EMB, and Socrates Gaerlan, Regional Director of DENR-MGB, commended LGU San Juan for its dedication to solid waste management.

They stressed the importance of waste management at the barangay level and assured continued
support and guidance from the DENR in implementing environmental regulations. The said Sanitary Landfill is equipped with various components, including access roads, a leachate treatment system, a materials recovery facility, hazardous waste storage facility, shredders, and
recycling equipment.

Its completion and operational readiness align with the mandate of Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which assigns responsibility to local government units for implementing solid waste management within their jurisdictions and maintaining proper waste disposal facilities. The collaboration between the PGLU and LGU San Juan reflects the commitment to environmental sustainability under the SoLUsyon sa PoLUsyon Program.  This partnership, exemplified through the La Union PROBINSYAnihan, aims to preserve the environment and well-being of the kaprobinsiaan as the Province becomes the Heart of Agri Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.

PGLU-PIO

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