A COMMUNITY COMPOSTING PROGRAM FOR BALINGASAG,
MISAMIS ORIENTAL
The policy advocacy aims to provide a local composting program in Balingasag, Misamis
Oriental to reduce the carbon footprint emitted by waste in landfills, mitigate the use of chemical
fertilizers, and support a more healthy and sustainable ecosystem. The policy focuses on
specifically reducing the organic waste produced in Balingasag. The implementation of this
policy will help reduce the collected biodegradable waste by 30% of the consolidated municipal
result of biodegradable waste, which is 44.48%. This should be achieved by providing access to
public compost waste bins in each barangay, where the local government unit will provide
assistance. The determinations made for the waste generated for the entire municipality are as
follows:
Waste Composition of Generated Waste, Whole Municipality
Source Waste Generation Per Composition, Ave. kg/day Total %
Bio Recyclable Residual Special Kgs/day to Total
Residential 15,492.88 13,278.15 7,117.84 1,458.65 37,347.52 89.57%
Commercial 1,300.17 273.33 148.05 0.88 1,722.43 4.13%
65.63 20.26 132.41 339.96
Institutional 252.48 1.13%
/Industrial
Market 1,503.01 385.96 2,021.70 5.16%
123.85 139.70
Total 18,548.54 14,003.07 7,410 1,731.63 41,693.25 100%
% to Total 44.48% 33.58% 17.77% 4.15% 100%
Table 1: Waste Composition of Generated Waste, Whole Municipality. Source: Municipality of
Balingasag, Misamis Oriental (2018) Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan (ESWM)
2018-2027
Balingasag’s generated waste shows that there is at least 41,693.25 kg of waste being collected in
the municipality per day. This massive amount of waste comes from a variety of sources,
including residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and market waste. This includes
different types of waste collected in the municipality: biodegradable, recyclable, residual and
special wastes. From the results of the waste characterization of the municipality, it shows that
households are the biggest contributors of all kinds of waste, which accounts for about 89.57%
of the total waste collected per day in the municipality. With the WACS, waste was taken from
thirty selected sample households. On average, each of them was capable of generating 1.84 kgs
of waste daily. With the average household size of five, the per capita daily waste generation rate
or per person waste generation was 0.37 kg.
The biggest generated type of waste is biodegradable waste, which accounts for 44.48% of the
41,693.25 kg of waste collected per day. This is followed by other types of waste such as
recyclable waste, which contributes 33.58% of the total generated waste, residual waste, which
accounts for 17.77% or 7,410 kg/day and special waste, which is 4.15% or 1,731.63 kg/day.
For the biodegradable wastes, urban barangays 1-6 and public market waste are collected and
brought to their Central Composting Facility which is in the Municipal Dumpsite, where
processing as soil conditioner happens for the Municipal Nursery.
Biodegradable waste generated by households of both urbanizing and rural barangays are
deposited in their own compost pits, in compliance with their local ordinance. However, the plan
highlights that to date, a number of households still do not observe these, specifically in the six
urban barangays because of the “lack of space.” Hence, the Central Bio-Composting Facility at
Sitio Tugas-Tugason.
Undeniably, Balingasag’s contribution to the alarming effects that biodegradable wastes
generates, which includes food waste, is rising over the years due to its increasing population.
The following are the indicators of carbon footprint emissions that were considered in this
policy.
1. Population Increase
2. Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Municipality (Balingasag)
3. Landfill Disposal
4. Excessive Food Waste
Figure 1. The population of Balingasag grew from 4,383 in 1903 to 74,385 in 2020, an increase
of 70,002 people over the course of 117 years. The latest census figures in 2020 denote a positive
growth rate of 2.21%, or an increase of 7,326 people, from the previous population of 67,059 in
2015.
Figure 2: Balingasag Ecological and Solid Waste. Source:Balingasag MY HOME 2021
From a waste characterization study, it was shown that the per capita generation of waste is 0.37
kgs per day with an annual population growth rate of 1.85%. Within the time span of 10 years,
the municipality of Balingasag will have a total daily waste generation of 41, 693 kgs. The
following sections present the policy flow and other necessary information.
What is composting?
Composting is the act of putting together organic materials to encourage healthy decomposition.
These organic materials include food waste, papers, dry leaves, egg shells, etc. and are put and
layered in a composting site. This is done to create the environment for fungi and other
decomposing bacteria to break them down into an all-natural fertilizer. This process requires the
correct raw materials. ultimately, producing a natural product which will enhance the soil and
reduce the emission of methane by food waste in landfills.
How will it be done?
Photo Reference of Community Compost Bin:
Photo Reference of Compost Site:
Community Benefits
➢ Maximization of Resources: Organic waste returns to the ground and is fully utilized as
a resource, as opposed to directly ending up in landfills.
➢ Community Education, Participation, Empowerment: With a composting program,
members of the community will be more knowledgeable on sustainability and how they
can do their part to achieve it. The habit of visiting your local drop-off bins also means
people feel that they are contributing to a good cause, which in turn can develop a better
sense of community and empowerment.
➢ Community Service & Volunteering: Locals may do volunteer work and participate in
the community composting process.
➢ Closing the Loop: Compost will be utilized to conserve natural ecology, enhance local
soil, support both local farmers, organic farming and the production of local food
Policy Dissemination
Local government units will assist and disseminate information regarding the benefits of
implementing a compost system to both the community and the ecosystem. The dissemination of
information will be done through the posting of infographic posters in the LGUs and through
their websites for easy access.
What are the issues to be addressed?
1. Excessive food waste
The majority of food waste is made up of organic materials such as carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen and nitrogen with a few other components. A third of the food we produce every
year doesn't get eaten and it takes a combined landmass about the size of China to
produce. The majority of this food waste is made up of organic materials such as carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen with a few other component.
2. Landfill Disposal
When this organic debris is buried in a landfill, microorganisms begin to break it down in
a 'anaerobic digestion' process. This is what happens when there is no oxygen in the air.
This provides energy to the microorganisms to support their life cycle, but it also
produces greenhouse gasses (carbon dioxide and methane) as a by-product. These gasses
are discharged into the atmosphere if they are not collected.
3. Non-organic Farming
Food has become full of chemicals that are damaging to our health in an attempt to feed
people in a more efficient and productive manner, resulting in many of the illnesses we
face today. This includes obesity, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Thus, healthy soil is essential for human survival and well-being. Human activities, on
the other hand, are threatening and harming soils all over the world. A composting
program would encourage a more healthy and sustainable local agriculture by supporting
farming organizations that utilize organic farming.
Program Assistance
Departments and Offices
➢ Office of the Mayor
Assistance provided from such offices will significantly aid in the promotion of
policy advocacy. Should the program with the pilot barangays prove to be
successful, we deduce that this will allow a smoother process should this develop
into an ordinance in the future.
➢ Local Government (Municipal Ecological Solid Waste Management Board)
Assistance from the Local Government will help the policy advocacy gain support
from locals and other actors in civil society.
Pilot Year
The pilot year of this program shall be done to allow a smooth transition towards a more
sustainable future. It is significant to note that this program requires a slight change and
development in our locals’ habits, behavior and culture, where a full-blown mandatory
program would not fly if done rashly. Therefore, the selected barangays for the pilot year
are as follows:
Pilot Barangays (for the first year of implementation):
Balagnan
Baliwagan
Kibanban
Linabu
Linggangao
Mandangoa
San Isidro
San Juan
Talusan
Waterfall
LGU Initiatives
The 10-Year Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan of the Municipality of Balingasag has
established the reorganization of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Board and the creation
of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Task Force, the Technical Working Group (TWG)
and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Speakers through Executive Order. No. 05 (ASQ)
Series of 2019. In Barangay Poblacion 6, an order was created to have a Barangay Ecological
Solid Waste Management Committee (BESWMC) or the Executive Order No. 2018-01.
Waste Diversion & Disposal Target
Year Collection Volume Percent Percent Equivalent Equivalent BIO REC RES SPL
Efficiency Collected, Diversio Disposal Volume Volume
Coverage TPD n Target Target Disposed, Disposed,
TPD TPY
TPD TPY
2018 96.66% 35.35 50.93% 49.07% 17.34 6,239.10 15,727. 11,873 6,283.0 1,468.
53 .37 3 27
2019 96.66% 36.01 50.93% 49.07% 17.67 6,449.55 16,018. 12,093 6,399.2 1,495.
49 .03 7 43
2020 96.66% 36.67 51.64% 48.36% 17.73 6,741.45 16,314. 12,316 6,517.6 1,523.
83 .75 5 10
2021 96.66% 37.35 56.07% 43.93% 16.40 5,986 16,616. 12,544 6,638.2 1,551.
66 .61 3 28
2022 96.66% 38.04 58.65% 41.35% 15.72 5,737.80 16,924. 12,776 6,761.0 1,579.
06 .68 4 97
2023 96.66% 38.74 62.66% 37.34% 14.46 5,277.90 17,237. 13,013 6,886.1 1,609.
16 .05 2 20
2024 96.66% 39.46 67.45% 32.55% 12.84 4,686.60 17,556. 13,253 7,013.5 1,638.
05 .79 1 97
2025 96.66% 40.19 71.35% 28.65% 11.51 4,201.15 17,880. 13,498 7,143.2 1,669.
83 .99 6 30
2026 96.66% 40.93 76.14% 23.86% 9.76 3,562.40 18,211. 13,748 7,275.4 1,700.
63 .72 1 18
2027 96.66% 41.69 85.18% 14.82% 6.17 2,252.05 18,548. 14,003 7,410.0 1,731.
54 .07 0 63
Table 2: Waste Diversion and Disposal Target. Source: Municipality of Balingasag, Misamis
Oriental (2018) Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan (ESWM) 2018-2027
Aims and Objectives of Balingasag
The 10-Year Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan of the Municipality of Balingasag has the
following aims and objectives:
1. Establish appropriate physical infrastructure and support facilities for effective and
efficient solid waste management;
2. Promote and heightened awareness of people on the impact of waste on their health.
well-being and environment;
3. Promote community participation and support on ecological solid waste management;
4. Build capacities of the barangay and municipal LGU to effectively and efficiently
manage solid waste and enforce laws;
5. Establish and effective and efficient ESW collection system and management
6. Develop and establish effective ESW monitoring , evaluation and surveillance system;
7. Promote and ensure effective delivery of waste services;
8. Derive economic gains from proper solid waste management
Alternative to consider:
➢ Vermicomposting (Using Worms)
Vermicomposting is a sort of composting in which particular earthworm species are
utilized to improve the organic waste conversion process and provide a better final
product. It is a mesophilic method that makes use of microorganisms and earthworms.
Earthworms consume organic waste, pass it through their digestive system, and expel it
in the form of granules (cocoons), which is known as vermicompost.
What You’ll Need:
1. The Right Worm for the Job
Eisenia foetida worms, often known as red wigglers, brandling worms, or dung
worms are required for composting. Every day, foetida eats its weight in waste,
reproduces prolifically, and can endure a range of eating situations. Lumbricus
rubellus (manure worms) fare well in composting bins as well.
2. Bins
A quality worm composting container is simple to operate and effective.
Commercial Bins
For composting, a large range of commercial worm bins are available, ranging
from simple, vented boxes to different "stacked" models. The majority of them
are appropriate for basements, entryways, and other out-of-the-way locations in
the home. They can also be used outdoors, at least seasonally, if protected from
extremes of heat and cold. Bins with layered trays make harvesting finished
compost very easy; this is the primary advantage they offer over most home-made
bins and one-room bins.
Homemade Bins
Simple wooden or plastic containers may be created quickly and easily. Since
worms dislike light, it's critical that the material is opaque. It is not required to use
a tight-fitting cover because worms rarely try to escape their confines. Ventilation
is obstructed by tightly fitted lids. However, a cover is required to keep moisture
in and light out.
Other strategies to consider:
Optimize the Policy Implementation in the Municipality:
The implementation of the composting system was already being implemented by the LGU as
stated by the champion. Although it is already being implemented, the collection of organic
waste is only being done in the urban barangays. There are only 6 urban barangays and there are
a total of 30 barangays in Balingasag. To optimize our policy proposal to the LGU of Balingasag,
there should be a collection of organic waste to all 30 barangays so that organic waste would be
managed and controlled in the municipality.
Policy Campaign:
The LGU will provide training on how to conduct peer-to-peer campaigning on garbage disposal
and segregation. As mentioned by the champion during our presentation, culture has a big role
when it comes to the garbage situation in Balingasag. Many are more likely to contribute to the
advocacy if a trusted friend or family member asks for their support.
Together, we envision a better Cebu City and a better society!
Vincent Rey A. Bacolod Mac Jay L. Calabroso
BA POS IV - LPS, University of San Carlos BA POS IV - LPS, University of San Carlos
Serge Adever V. Cua Isabela Victoria Sierra
BA POS IV - LPS, University of San Carlos BA POS IV - LPS, University of San Carlos
References
Balingasag Ecological Solid Waste Situationer 2021)
Indiana Department of Environmental Management. 2022. Available at:
<https://www.in.gov/idem/iee/files/lesson_plan_recycling_bin_dropoff.jpg> [Accessed
22 March 2022].
Municipality of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental (2018) Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan
(ESWM) 2018-2027 [Accessed 15 May 2022]
Rural, K. H. A. B. C. (2015, February 23). Forster community garden compost. ABC News.
Retrieved March 22, 2022, from
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-09-28/forster-community-garden-compost/6243706?n
w=0
Vermicomposting: All you need to know. Planet Natural. (2019, April 14). Retrieved March 22,
2022, from
https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/indoor-composting/vermicomposting/
POLICY ADVOCACY CLASS
TTH 10:30AM – 12PM (Group 1)
Progress Report Template
1. Policy Advocacy Title 2. Proponent:
A COMMUNITY COMPOSTING PROGRAM FOR Barangay Tari Team Leader
BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL Vincent Rey A. Bacolod
Members:
Mac Jay L. Calabroso Contact Information
Isabela V. Sierra 09053435455
Serge Adever V. Cua
3. Brief Advocacy Description
The policy aims to provide a barangay composting program with the assistance of Balingasag LGUs,
which aims to reduce the carbon footprint emitted by waste in landfills, mitigate the use of
chemical fertilizers, and support a more healthy and sustainable ecosystem.
4. Advocacy Objectives (What change do you want to see or happen?)
To reduce the carbon footprint emitted by waste in landfills, mitigate the use of chemical fertilizers
and support a more healthy and sustainable ecosystem. This should be achieved by providing
access to public compost waste bins in every barangay.
5. Lobbying Steps Strategies
Plan/s Actual
1. Organize Online Forum 1. Invited the champions to our online
presentation of our Policy Proposal
1.1 Sent them invitation letters through
email together with our policy brief
1.2 Presented the policy proposal to the
champions on May 19, 2022.
2. Gather Feedback and recommendations from
the champions 2. The policy was approved by the
champions and provided their feedback
and recommendations
2.1 The students will continuously
coordinate with the champions for
the implementation of the policy
since the champions are willing to
adapt the proposed policy.
2.2 The students have edited their final
briefer based on what was
discussed by the champions during
the meeting.
6. Issues Encountered and Resolutions Made
Issue/Challenges Resolutions
1 The champions expressed that they are already
implementing some ways the same as what - The students suggested other strategies
was proposed. to improve the policy, such as optimizing
the implementation of the policy for the
municipality of Balingasag and
generating greater awareness of the
issue through awareness campaigns
and activities concerning the issue being
raised.
7. Group Learnings (Insights/reflections/realization while doing the activity)
- Policies are subject to change and improvement because policies must evolve in accordance
with the weight of their importance to the community. So we can always have changes and
improvements to make our policies persistent to the needs of the community.
