Image from: Provincial Information & Media Office
The Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), hosted the Bohol Solid Waste Management (SWM) Summit on November 19 at Reynas The Haven and Gardens. With the theme “From Generation to Regeneration,” the summit brought together representatives from local government units (LGUs), district hospitals, academic institutions, exhibitors, and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Board, all united in a mission to address the critical challenges of waste management.
BPEMO Head Jovencia Ganub opened the summit with a call to action, urging attendees to reconsider their approach to waste. “It’s never a waste until it’s wasted,” she emphasized. “Now is the time to rethink how we manage these byproducts. By embracing zero-waste principles, Bohol is pushing for solutions that can transform waste from a problem into a resource.”
The concept of “waste” impacts us daily—whether it’s single-use plastics, food scraps, or electronic waste, each type contributes to environmental and health challenges. Yet, with innovative strategies, what was once considered “waste” can find a new purpose. This summit aims to turn that vision into a reality for Bohol.
Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, who also chairs the Geopark Management Council, voiced his commitment to the cause. Bohol’s recent recognition as the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines, he noted, symbolizes the province’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty and promoting sustainable development. “We must address the pressing issue of solid waste management,” Aumentado stated. “By working together, we can transform waste from a burden into a valuable resource, aligning with our provincial government’s Strategic Change Agenda for environmental sustainability.”
Throughout the day, summit participants engaged in discussions and exhibits on best practices, technologies, and local and global innovations in waste management. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 7 provided updates on the latest policies, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. These insights set the stage for actionable change, highlighting the legislative support available for environmental initiatives.
The summit’s exhibit hall showcased groundbreaking recycling and waste conversion solutions, with exhibitors presenting products and processes that turn waste into valuable resources. Evergreen Labs Philippines introduced alternatives to traditional plywood and lumber using materials made from recycled sachets and plastics, providing a sustainable option for construction and other industries.
FDR Integrated Resource Recovery Management Inc. demonstrated a “Trash to Biogas” initiative, highlighting the potential of waste as a renewable energy source. Jams Bottle Trading and San Miguel Corporation discussed bottle recovery efforts, while Cebu Common Treatment Facility Inc. (CCTI) outlined their solutions for safely disposing of electronic waste and hazardous materials. Phil-Japan Worldwide Management Services presented cutting-edge wastewater management solutions, rounding out the exhibit with a focus on water conservation.
Aumentado, addressing the summit’s close, noted that Bohol’s commitment to reducing waste, embracing recycling, and adopting circular economy principles will have lasting benefits. “By taking bold steps to reduce waste, promote recycling, and adopt circular economy principles, we can protect our environment, conserve resources, and create a healthier, more prosperous province for generations to come.”
Through the sharing of best practices, technological innovations, and actionable insights, the Bohol SWM Summit empowers communities, businesses, and individuals to implement sustainable practices. This initiative aligns with the provincial government’s vision for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Bohol under the leadership of Governor Aumentado.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: sustainability is not just an ideal but an actionable commitment for Bohol. With the support of its leaders, local stakeholders, and the community, Bohol is setting a model for environmental stewardship in the Philippines, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving, sustainable island.
By: Mary Lou Regis/ The Provincial Information and Media Office