Calling all LGUs, this “olympics” is for you! Are you up for the challenge?

The National Solid Waste Management Commission in partnership with the Earth Day Network Philippines, has launched the KM 300: Kilos Mamamayan sa Loob ng 300 Araw, Zero Basura Olympics: Philippine Garbology Marathon 2008 at the Rizal Provincial Capitol Building in June 20, 2008.

The Garbology Marathon, the first of its kind in the country, is being launched to fast track the LGU-wide implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, within a 300-day incentive program period.

The DENR, as chair to the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), will spearhead the marathon, as it seeks to assist the LGUs in the formulation and implementation of an effective and doable ecological solid waste management program, as well as to promote multi-stakeholder cooperation for program sustainability.

For 300 days, barangays, subdivisions and purok, schools and universities, commercial centers and marketplaces, hospitals, churches, factories, and major industries will be assessed and those found implementing proper ecological solid waste management will be given merit certificates, and will be accredited as Models in their field.

The KM 300 Garbology Marathon is jointly undertaken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Solid Waste Management Commission, Earth Day Network Philippines, Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines, Mother Earth Philippines, and the Philippine Business for the Environment.

For more information, you may contact the NSWMC – Secretariat, Environmental Management Bureau – DENR, 2nd Flr., HRD Building, DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Telephone numbers: (632) 920-2252 and 920-2279.