SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Philippines — The provincial government ordered Thursday the permanent closure of all open dumpsites in this province as they pose danger to public health and environmental hazards in communities that host them.

Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda’s order was given to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Art F. Punsalan, who will begin investigating the operation of open dumpsites in every city and municipality of this province.

Pineda instructed Punsalan to begin with illegally-operating dumpsites and file appropriate charges against local government units (LGUs) that allowed them in violation of Republic Act 9003, the Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The governor has prioritized solving the waste problem in the province, which she claims is the primary cause of pollution of ground water, rivers and waterways.

Pineda also blamed the existence of open dumpsites for problems such as perennial flooding and sickness in host communities.

Punsalan welcomed the governor’s move and blamed some LGUs for tolerating the operation of some illegal dumpsites.

He said that even before the order from the governor, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3 had already monitored several dumpsites that have continued operation despite being the subject of closure orders by the DENR.

“We need strong political will to really implement the law,” said Punsalan, as he appreciated Pineda’s support for the PENRO.

He called on barangay officials to ensure that waste segregation is strictly implemented so that garbage collection and disposal processes are made easy.

Last Wednesday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan enjoined local government units in the province to come up with comprehensive development programs on solid waste management even as it reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to provide the necessary support and assistance.

This developed during the recent en banc meeting of the SP committee on environment presided by Board Member Cris Garbo at the Capitol’s session hall.

“Let us work together and collectively solve the problem on garbage woes which cause health danger and environmental destruction to our constituents,” Garbo said.