The Zero Basura Olympics 2008-2009 is on.

With this came a challenge from Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza for all local government units (LGUs) around the country to attain a “basura-free landscape” in 300 days through the use of eco-waste management in their own backyards.

“I am issuing this challenge to all the 72 provinces, 1,600 municipalities and cities and 44,000 barangays all over the Philippines who have read, understood and are complying with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001,” Secretary Atienza said.

“This olympics is an important event to fast-track our LGUs’ efforts to successfully implement efficient waste management in their respective localities, as well as to encourage all other barangays nationwide to practice proper solid waste management,” Atienza said.

The Garbology Marathon, the first of its kind in the country, aims to attain a garbage-free environment through a “zero-waste lifestyle”. The activity is also geared to prioritize, operationalize, institutionalize and fast-track the LGU-wide implementation of RA 9003.

“It is not only the residents of the different barangays who will benefit from practicing the proper solid waste management, it will also benefit our environment and thus Mother Earth itself,” Atienza added.

The Top Zero Olympians will be determined through a “show and tell” mechanism. Contenders are to submit empirical evidence, proofs of compliance – narrative essay, video and other pertinent documentation — of their success story showing site, system and sustainability of their operations.

Official entries will be evaluated on the basis of thesis by a panel of experienced, credible and highly respected garbologists and veteran advocates of ecological solid waste management. They will be determined through strict compliance with the essential mandate of the law: segregated at the source, segregated collection, segregated collection, segregated destination.

Evaluation of the “Olympians” will also be based on efficient composting, recycling, appropriate technology for residual wastes with bias for local, low-cost indigenous inventions, livelihood components and people participation.

The top LGUs with the best practices in composting, 3Rs (reduce, re-use, recycle), closure and rehabilitation of open dumpsites, use of alternative technologies and categorized disposal facility in each category will receive recognitions and citations. Special awards and distinctions for particular stakeholders excelling in their ESWM initiatives will also be given.

The KM 300 Garbology Marathon is jointly undertaken by the DENR-National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), Earth Day Network Philippines, Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines and the Philippines Business for the Environment.

Registration period is from July 1-30, 2008. Registration fee is P1,000.00 for regular registrants and P2,000.00 for late registrants. Registration fees will be accepted at the Earth Day Network Philippines office at 43 Hillside Loop, Blue Ridge Quezon City, Telefax. 647-11-81.

Source: DENR