A plan is only good as it is implemented. A successful implementation of a policy or program can be attributed to many factors like leadership, structure, process of the organization and the resources committed, technology, support, implementer's capability, compliance and responsiveness, nature of cooperation required, availability of skillful and committed people to manage its implementation.
Best example is the "Basura Mo, Alagaan Mo" program that was launched by the Marikina City government last 2000 under the leadership of then Mayor Bayani Fernando. The program was a response to the burgeoning problem on solid waste management. The city government adopted measures and took steps to ensure a healthy and clean environment for all. Responsibility for the enforcement of environmental laws on cleanliness, sanitation, solid waste management and other environmental matters were devolved to the LGUs as provided in the local government code (RA 7160). They were given the over-all responsibility to decide how communities' solid waste will be managed. Its responsibility lies in determining how services should be provided, who provides the service, and under what conditions this takes place.
The increasing urbanization, rapid swelling population and intensifying economic activities have all contributed to the generation of solid wastes. Education on solid waste management is very important not only to promote awareness but also to encourage one to be involved in its proper practice. But education cannot be achieved within the confines of schools alone. Being the sources/generators of garbage, people should assume responsibility in its proper management. The program erases the notion that government is solely responsible for garbage collection and disposal. It bears noting that Marikina residents generates 700 cubic meters of garbage which contributes to an average of 6 kilos of garbage in Metro Manila daily.
Way way before, Marikina was abundant with garbage everywhere - public markets, creeks, waterways and the Marikina river. The collection was only 20% of its garbage stockpile of uncollected garbage that was literally all over town. These scenario only resorted to the worsening of floods because of the clogged drainage system which can be attributed to improper waste disposal of the residents.
To reinforce the program, Goya Philippines was contacted by the city government to produce million pieces of "clean and green" candies which were being distributed to private and public elementary schools in the city. In the wrapper of the candies is an instruction which reads "Kung walang basurahang mapagtatapunan, mumunting basura ibulsa muna". This message was also encouraged to be passed on to family, friends and neighbors.
How did it measure up to its effectiveness? What were the factors that can be attributed to its success? Let me count the ways:
1. Social Acceptability and Social Preparation. The culture of discipline that the program has effectively promoted with respect to proper waste management has practically filted people against people and not people against government or the other way around.
2. Unity of purpose, understanding and agreement among implementers and beneficiaries. The program was launched to impress upon the people that government collects garbage not as a right but only a privilege accorded to them.
Best example is the "Basura Mo, Alagaan Mo" program that was launched by the Marikina City government last 2000 under the leadership of then Mayor Bayani Fernando. The program was a response to the burgeoning problem on solid waste management. The city government adopted measures and took steps to ensure a healthy and clean environment for all. Responsibility for the enforcement of environmental laws on cleanliness, sanitation, solid waste management and other environmental matters were devolved to the LGUs as provided in the local government code (RA 7160). They were given the over-all responsibility to decide how communities' solid waste will be managed. Its responsibility lies in determining how services should be provided, who provides the service, and under what conditions this takes place.
The increasing urbanization, rapid swelling population and intensifying economic activities have all contributed to the generation of solid wastes. Education on solid waste management is very important not only to promote awareness but also to encourage one to be involved in its proper practice. But education cannot be achieved within the confines of schools alone. Being the sources/generators of garbage, people should assume responsibility in its proper management. The program erases the notion that government is solely responsible for garbage collection and disposal. It bears noting that Marikina residents generates 700 cubic meters of garbage which contributes to an average of 6 kilos of garbage in Metro Manila daily.
Way way before, Marikina was abundant with garbage everywhere - public markets, creeks, waterways and the Marikina river. The collection was only 20% of its garbage stockpile of uncollected garbage that was literally all over town. These scenario only resorted to the worsening of floods because of the clogged drainage system which can be attributed to improper waste disposal of the residents.
To reinforce the program, Goya Philippines was contacted by the city government to produce million pieces of "clean and green" candies which were being distributed to private and public elementary schools in the city. In the wrapper of the candies is an instruction which reads "Kung walang basurahang mapagtatapunan, mumunting basura ibulsa muna". This message was also encouraged to be passed on to family, friends and neighbors.
How did it measure up to its effectiveness? What were the factors that can be attributed to its success? Let me count the ways:
1. Social Acceptability and Social Preparation. The culture of discipline that the program has effectively promoted with respect to proper waste management has practically filted people against people and not people against government or the other way around.
2. Unity of purpose, understanding and agreement among implementers and beneficiaries. The program was launched to impress upon the people that government collects garbage not as a right but only a privilege accorded to them.
It also aims to educate the residents on the proper concealment in plastic bags along with the implementation of a policy of taking it out only during the days of collection. a penalty of 2,000 pesos or rendering of community service or donation of blood to the city blood bank will be imposed to any violators.
Public transportation were required to have a waste can to avoid littering anywhere. The program has even gone far in devolving responsibilities to the deputies at the barangay level. They were assigned to ensure the cleanliness of their barangay. Anyone caught violating the policy would be charged 100 pesos per liter which are accompanied by an official receipt.
3. Organization and leader's capability to implement. There is a presence of a critical mass of supporters and critics and an organized community.
4. Communication, commitment and coordination. There is clarity of purpose and direction. While the Waste Management Office (WMO) had its own field inspectors who go around the city to monitor people's compliance to city ordinance on proper waste management.
3. Organization and leader's capability to implement. There is a presence of a critical mass of supporters and critics and an organized community.
4. Communication, commitment and coordination. There is clarity of purpose and direction. While the Waste Management Office (WMO) had its own field inspectors who go around the city to monitor people's compliance to city ordinance on proper waste management.
In most cases it is the people themselves who take the initiative of reporting violators by calling the attention of WMO through telephone. The significant number of calls that they receive is a tangible proof of the people's commitment on the program.
5. Empowerment. They sought ways for an efficient and effective implementation of the program. garbage compactor trucks have to roll over the garbage for which they are not designed thus frequent equipment breakdown happen leading to total system failure. The above situation happens because of the lack of dump site maintenance. The long distance of the dump site from the collection point requires bigger pay loads to save on manpower in the collection of garbage and travel time from the collection point to the dump site.
5. Empowerment. They sought ways for an efficient and effective implementation of the program. garbage compactor trucks have to roll over the garbage for which they are not designed thus frequent equipment breakdown happen leading to total system failure. The above situation happens because of the lack of dump site maintenance. The long distance of the dump site from the collection point requires bigger pay loads to save on manpower in the collection of garbage and travel time from the collection point to the dump site.
While the paleros/collection laborers could be more effective picking-up garbage and loading them to garbage trucks, they spend most of their time travelling which is a waste of time and money therefore inefficiency takes place. Now, with the implementation of the program, the city can boast of high garbage collection efficiency rate of 98% (the highest in Metro Manila) with the lowest cost at 89 pesos per person per year.
6. Suitability of surefire solutions. The inefficiency of garbage collection was given solution through the introduction of proper engineering using Garbage Transfer Station. In this set-up, the small garbage compactor trucks collecting garbage from house to house transfer their loads into bigger trucks at the transfer station. The big ten-wheeler trucks that were used to take garbage to the dump site were more suitable to negotiate the steep terrain going to the dump site and can roll over the garbage without much damage to themselves.
7. Sufficient resources and support. The technology mentioned cost the government only 500,000 pesos. It is worthy to note that the frequency of garbage collection in residential areas is only twice a week. Daily collections is done in industrial/commercial areas and the public market zone.
6. Suitability of surefire solutions. The inefficiency of garbage collection was given solution through the introduction of proper engineering using Garbage Transfer Station. In this set-up, the small garbage compactor trucks collecting garbage from house to house transfer their loads into bigger trucks at the transfer station. The big ten-wheeler trucks that were used to take garbage to the dump site were more suitable to negotiate the steep terrain going to the dump site and can roll over the garbage without much damage to themselves.
7. Sufficient resources and support. The technology mentioned cost the government only 500,000 pesos. It is worthy to note that the frequency of garbage collection in residential areas is only twice a week. Daily collections is done in industrial/commercial areas and the public market zone.
The public has been very supportive of the program because they have seen the previous projects of the mayor which was successfully implemented. Marikina now constantly wins the "Cleanest and Greenest City".
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