UPI, MAGUINDANAO — An Engineered Sanitary Landfill (Category I) located at Barangay Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao was inaugurated by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Upi on 19 August 2022.

Environment Management Services (EMS) Director Ustadh Jalani M. Pamlian paid a courtesy visit to the newly installed Upi Mayor Ma. Rona Cristina A. Piang-Flores before the inauguration and discussed the partnership of the LGU-Upi and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) in fostering environmental protection in the municipality.

Upi Vice Mayor welcomed the MENRE team as well as the attendees of the inauguration and said that “We can assure the safety of the people of Upi since our wastes will be properly disposed.”

EMS Director Pamlian commended the LGU-Upi for their relentless effort to establish a sanitary landfill, which was started during the term of former Upi Mayor and now Member of Parliament (MP) Ramon A. Piang, Sr. He further encouraged the constituents of Upi to take part in the implementation of solid waste management as mandated in Republic Act No. 9003, as it is not only the responsibility of the government to oversee and take actions to protect our environment, but as well as the people and other partners.

“Remember that improper management of solid waste is one of the leading causes of the degradation of natural resources, including soil and water pollution, the destruction of natural habitats, and the loss of biodiversity,” emphasized by EMS Director Pamlian. “Environmental protection and preservation is a global mandate and Upi is moving forward,” he added.

Mayor Piang-Flores lauded the collaboration of their LGU and MENRE and said that “We are now realizing our vision for a healthy and clean Upi for our constituents.”

Municipal ENR Officer Glory B. Centillo acknowledged the technical assistance that the Environment Ministry provided in bringing the sanitary landfill to fruition. “Despite the adversities, pandemic, and weather conditions that hindered the construction of this landfill, we have come to this inauguration as you have given your continual support,” said MENRO Centillo in her closing remarks.

MP Piang, Sr. graced the inauguration. Distinguished dignitaries who witnessed the first ever sanitary landfill in Upi were the members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), LGU department and section heads, security forces from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other stakeholders.

This is the fourth (4th) operational sanitary landfill in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) after the Municipality of Parang in Maguindanao, and the Municipality of Wao and City of Marawi in Lanao del Sur.