‘Happy Go Linig’ sweeps streets of residual plastics

Bicol Mail

BUSINESS enterprises are joining the City Government of Naga in another environmental campaign that aims to rid the streets and other areas in the city of plastics and other residual waste.

The ‘Happy Go Linig’ is a support project of the KKDK program of the administration of Mayor John G. Bongat which encourages the Nagueño to develop the culture of cleanliness (Kalinigan), peace (Katoninongan), and order (Disiplina).

The project is expected to work effectively along with the city government’s other initiatives against wastes like the garbage segregation scheme, segregated garbage collection, and the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) program in the barangays.

Other than the support from the business sector, the Solid Waste Management Office will also seek the active participation and cooperation of the schools, churches, and barangay officials in the implementation of the Happy Go Linig project.

The project, which will be undertaken by way of ridding the streets of plastics and other residual waste including cigarette butts and Styrofoam that clog drainage system, will be launched in the second week of July, this year.

Engr. Joel Martin, SWMO chief, said the city government is mulling over the idea of “buying the waste from public elementary and secondary schools with rice or school supplies” if only to ensure that the project’s objective will be met.

He said barangay halls will serve as redemption centers where students can receive rice or school supplies in exchange for their collected Styrofoam, cigarette butts, multi-layered plastics, and old tarpaulins.

Martin said they are now holding negotiations with the owners of a cement plant in Albay where the city government is planning to transport the waste plastics as fire material.  He said plastics carry a high heating value than firewood.