Solid Waste Management Program: A Basis for Action Plan of Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

This study was conducted to assess the level of administrative capability of implementers, level of the implementation of the program and the participation of individual members of the community. Moreover, it evaluated the influence of the program implementation and community participation in the programs’
impact. The respondents were identified: municipal and barangay councils, residents, commercial establishments, schools and LGU’s. A total of nine hundred forty four (944) respondents participated in the study. The level of participation of the community members in the SWMP is also “Average” as supported by
the individual rating for municipal and barangay councils, residents, commercial establishments, schools, and LGU’s as well. The component activities of the SWMP are implemented with an “Average” rating. The community members’ level of satisfaction on SWMP’s impact is “Average”. This finding was supported by the respondents’ rating on their level of satisfaction on improvement of health and cleanliness, increase in institutions’ income and satisfaction of community members. Since the Solid Waste Management Program of Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur is moderately implemented, there are some aspects that require immediate action. The most important reason for waste collection is the protection of the environment and the health of the population. Solid wastes can cause land and water pollution. Rotting garbage is also known to produce harmful gases that mix with the air and can cause health problems in people. Planning the waste management and recycling for all of the wastes produced in this country is an enormous task which involves both logistical
planning and scientific knowledge and understanding in order to balance the impact on the environment and the cost effectiveness of the process.

Keywords – solid, waste, management, action plan, community