The e-Balangibog Webinar Series kicked off on November 23, 2024, with its first session focused on Agricultural Waste Management titled βComposting Technologies and Legal Framework: A Sustainable Approach in Agricultural Waste Managementβ. Its goal was to promote sustainable methods for managing agricultural waste, particularly through composting and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003).Β Β
The event was organized by fourth-year students from the BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, in coordination with the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Engineering and Food Science, CBSUA Extension Services Division and the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering-Pre-Professional Group. Conducted via Facebook Live, the webinar provided an interactive platform for participants to engage in discussions, ask questions, and gain insights on best practices for waste management.
The session featured two guest speakers: Ms. Anneka Rose B. Rodriguez, an Environmental Monitoring Officer from DENR-EMB NCR, who provided an in-depth discussion of the provisions of RA 9003, particularly focusing on waste segregation, resource recovery, and environmental protection. Engr. Ricardo T. Rubi, a Sanitary and Fire Protection Design Engineer at NBF Consulting, discussed different composting techniques, including vermicomposting, windrow composting, and advanced methods such as the Dual Drum Composter and Contained Rapid Composting, which facilitate efficient waste management.
The purpose of the webinar was to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste management, especially in agricultural communities, where improper waste disposal can have significant environmental and health impacts. The session highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices, such as waste segregation at the household and community levels, and utilizing innovative composting technologies to improve soil health and reduce landfill waste.
Various comments and questions from the participants were entertained and addressed. Ms. Luisita Bustenera Navo, one of the participants, said that the discussion was very helpful and the implementation of RA 9003 is highly needed for the LGUs. Ms. Mae Kinly Quintana asked about the challenges upon implementation of the composting techniques.
In general, the speakers were able to send awareness and a meaningful message about agricultural waste management. For them, if we want to see big changes in the matter of agricultural waste management, it should start from us, by simply segregating our wastes correctly. Overall, the webinar was successful in providing valuable information and encouraging individuals to adopt more sustainable waste management practices. | Report and Photos from Anjo M. Lomenario, Joanne Mae Abonal, Alfonso Salando, Ma. Jodia M. Celestial, Art Ian Buenavente, and Zoren P. Rubi. Screenshots credited to the CBSUA Extension Services Division
