Ilonggos' level of awareness on waste segregation up
The level of awareness of Ilonggos as regards the waste segregation program in the six districts of Iloilo City has tremendously increased by 68.4 percent as reflected in the 2005 survey titled "Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) in Solid Waste Management Households in Iloilo City."
The comparative survey analysis was undertaken in support of the Solid Waste Management Component of the Iloilo Flood Control project implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Prior to the 2005 survey, a baseline survey was conducted in 2003 to gather benchmark information against which the result of recent evaluation survey will be compared. This is to determine changes. The department hired consultants to do the two surveys.
Based on the 2005 results, the level of awareness of Ilonggos on waste segregation soared from 22.8 percent in 2003 to 91.2 percent. The result of the survey in waste segregation and their knowledge on Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act is somewhat confusing.
Though, the survey firm used the same number of respondents, the increase on the Ilonggos' knowledge of the law only increased by 10 percent compared with the level of awareness in waste segregation. In the 2003 survey, the level of awareness on the law is 44 percent. By 2005, the level of awareness of the law on 54 percent.
An increase in the proportion of households practicing waste segregation was also noted, from 22.5 to 69.5 percent. The concern for cleanliness remains the most common reason for practicing waste segregation in the 2005 survey. In 2003, the most common reason for waste segregation is to "reuse items."
The use of plastic shopping bags are still the most popular device for waste storage. More households are using the plastic bags. In 2003 baseline survey, only 57 percent of the Ilonggos used plastic shopping bags. However, 2005 plastic bag users increased to 65 percent or an increase of eight percent.
The survey also showed a decrease in the use of items such as styrofoam, tin can and paper. The survey showed that the presence of styrofoam decreased from 97.8 percent to 95.7 percent; tin can from 96.5 percent to 94.7 percent and paper from 99.8 percent to 97.2 percent from waste segregated by each barangay.
The objectives of the study is to assist the city in the preparation of a realistic solid waste management program through the conduct of sub-studies and surveys such as pilot study for community-based solid waste management; study on recycling and intermediate treatment; study on the improvement plan of garbage collection system; and study on least-cost improvement and closure plan for Calajunan dump site.