Published in the Negros Daily Bulletin newspaper on September 6, 2016

A unified approach to finding solutions to the problem of solid waste disposal in the Third District of Negros Occidental will soon be a reality.

Together for Metro 3rd Environment Initiative. From left, Silay VM Joedith Gallego, Murcia VM Gerry Rojas, Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, Victorias Mayor Frederick Palanca, 3rd District Cong. Albee Benitez, Silay Mayor Mark Golez, and EB Magalona Marvin Malacon.*

Congressman Alfredo Benitez led a meeting with all the mayors of the Third District and the Chief Executive Officer of the Sure Global W2Wi, Julia Boughton, to discuss results of a Waste Amount Characterization Survey and related analysis and assessment in the Third District and Bacolod City conducted in 2015, and a proposal on a unified solid waste management program.

Present in the meeting held September 1, 2016 at the Silay City Civic Center were Bacolod Congressman Greg Gasataya, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares, Silay Mayor Mark Golez, EB Magalona Marvin Malacon and Victorias Mayor Francis FrederickPalanca.

Also present were Silay Vice Mayor Joedith Gallego, Murcia Vice Mayor Gerry Rojas , Bacolod City Administrator Atty. John Orola, Provincial Environmental Management Officer Atty. Wilmon Peñalosa, and Vic Los Bañes, representing the NIR DENR.

Congressman Alfredo Benitez, as early as 2010 when he started his first term as Representative, had urged local government executives in the District to seriously consider the pros and cons of an integrated solid waste management system, believing that the pooling of resources, efforts and services will be most beneficial to all.

“It is time and timely to usher in the concept of Metro Third. By pooling resources to solve various problems facing the local government units (LGUs) in the District, among them the perennial trash issues, can result in greater positive impact for all,” Congressman Benitez stressed.

He had spearheaded initiatives to pave the way for convergence and synergy, believing that a district-wide cooperation and partnership, can lead to a more feasible and viable program to solve the growing trash problem in the Metro Third area in the province, being the gateway to the island and center of trade, commerce and industry.*