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Basista, Pangasinan – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 1 also shifted gears in highlighting its programs through the Tayo Ang Kalikasan, an advocacy and social mobilization vehicle to uplift the lives of the people, recognizing their contribution to the environment.

A 4th Class Municipality, the Local Government Unit of Basista stood tall in bolstering the heavy shift propelled by the DENR in involving the people to move towards a common goal especially in providing a solution to the glaring solid waste management concern.

The LGU Executive Manolito De Leon expressed his gratitude to the DENR – 1’s support verbalizing that “Our problem is the unmanaged solid wastes.  Philippines is not privy to the glaring in solid waste and we responded to the challenge by collaborating with the DENR here in Region 1 and came up with launching the Tayo Ang Kalikasan.  In doing so, Basista will be part of the solution and not of the problem.”

Mayor De Leon underscored in his message and gave emphasis on their best practices on SWM namely: eco-bricking, potential materials recovery for their bags for life and basura expo.  All these practices are not only a practice of the LGU but has been executed by the 13 barangays of Basista including the schools, reason for the DENR to choose and recognize their efforts in one of the environmental concerns SWM, which causes nuisance, environmental hazards or public health risks.

DENR Regional Executive Director Carlito M. Tuballa likewise thanked and lauded the efforts of Basista and their positive response on the challenge of solid waste management.  RED Tuballa correspondingly urged the Department of Education to inculcate proper waste disposal to young learners and to include the love for the environment in their curriculum. 

Committed folks

An estimated 250 participants came out strong and affirmed their commitments by sharing the vision for their municipality which is hoped to be replicated by other LGUs in the future. Participants include member of Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Committee of the 13 barangays of the said town, DepEd and Sangguniang Kabataan.

Their desire to be part of the solution is obviously clear and commendable in spite being a 4th class municipality. 

Their dedication in helping the environment was cemented by the commitment setting and signing of the TAK Pledge of Commitment undertaken before the launch ended.