Press Release
August 24, 2007

IN THE WAKE OF FLASHFLOODS IN METRO, PROVINCES
Villar wants to make recycling mandatory

Tired of the worsening garbage problem that has caused flashfloods in the metropolis and even provinces nationwide, Senate President Manny Villar introduced a bill that seeks to make recycling mandatory especially in all educational institutions.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority recently attributed the sudden flooding in Metro Manila to the accumulation of garbage in the drainage systems.

At the onset of heavy rains last week, the office of Senate President Villar was aghast at the long distance and high level of flood along the stretch of Buendia on the way to the Senate which became impassable.

Villar stressed, "The blame should not be solely pinned on poor squatters but also on residents, entities and our communities which have failed to adhere to sound environmental practices."

His Senate Bill No. 91 entitled, "An Act requiring the recycling and utilization of recycled materials by educational institutions," seeks to require all schools to use paper and other materials containing at least 15-percent recycled material in all their projects and activities.

The Senate President firmly believes that a favorable attitude towards recycling must begin in schools where students should be taught how to recycle in order to promote the practice for the long-term benefit of the environment.

Under the bill, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education shall include a subject in the school curriculum tackling recycling and its benefits, and the various ways and means to recycle all kinds of wastes.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall provide technical assistance and guidance to schools on recycling methods and opportunities.

It will also be tasked to develop and implement a comprehensive multi-material recycling program which includes:

1) determination and separation of recyclable materials from other wastes; types of recyclable material shall include metal cans, glass bottles and jars, paper, used tires and plastic material; 2) establishment of proven approaches in separation and collection of recyclable materials; 3) establishment of local or regional drop-off centers for recyclable materials; and 4) the development of campaign to encourage the protection of the environment.

Furthermore, the DENR shall establish a comprehensive and sustained public information and education program on recycling methods and opportunities.

Any violation of the Act shall be punished with a fine of not less than P10,000 or imprisonment of one year or both, at the discretion of the court. If the offense is committed by a corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association or entity, the penalty shall be imposed upon the guilty officer/s.

The Senate President introduced the bill in pursuit of his five-point legislative agenda which prioritizes environment and education.

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