The Municipality of Sapian has a local chief executive who is happy serving his constituents. Mayor Joe Villanueva’s mantra, “Ibigay sa tao ang para sa tao”, personifies his genuine concern and love for the people of Sapian. Several factors inspire him to love his town and his work – a loving life partner, constituents who are pleased with his service and his gratitude for the people he is committed to serve. He believes in the saying, “love is lovelier the second time around”.
Education is the way to success, according to Mayor Joe. The results of the CRLA show 73% of Grade 3 students are grade ready in reading, and 67% are grade ready in English. The results are not bad but the consensus among participants and Mayor Villanueva was to increase the rating to 80%.
Random Assessment of Barangays’ Sapian’s solid waste management
| Barangay | SWM Plan/Board Y/N | Rating | MRF (Y/N) | Rating |
| Agtatacay Norte | Y | 3.5 | Y | 3.0 |
| Agsilab (awardee) | Y | 4.5 | Y (3) | 5.0 |
| Dapdapan | Y | 2.5 | Y | 3.0 |
| Poblacion | N | N/a | Y (16) | 3.0 |
| Malinang | No response from representative | |||
| Damayan | Y | 3.0 | Y | 3.0 |
| Bilao | Y | 2.5 | Y | 2.5 |
| Lonoy | Y | 3.0 | Y | 3.0 |
| Majanlud | Y | 3.0 | Y | 3.0 |
The LGU has a Ten-Year Solid Waste Management Plan which is until 2027. The MENRO is updating the plan. The rating they gave is 4.0. It has a central MRF located at Barangay Maninang serving the Municipal area and Barangay Poblacion. The property with a total land area of one hectare was purchased by the LGU. All garbage collected are brought there. They implement a “no segregation, no collection” policy. Three (3) segregators are working in the MRF under a job order arrangement. The facility has a bottle crasher, plastic shredder, and a vermi-bed for composting. The LGU is working on entering into a partnership with Villar Foundation for the processing of shredded plastic and glass.
Plastic wastes are collected by ambulant vendors. Sale proceeds from plastics are used to purchase water and alcohol for the workers at the Central MRF> The LGU is working on an arrangement with Passi City in Iloilo for the transfer of residual wastes. The MOA with Passi City is being prepared. The LGU is enforcing its ordinances on solid waste segregation but they are not yet at the stage of imposing fines and penalties.
Challenges and Issues: Garbage disposal and segregation system
The main problems identified were:
- Waste segregation is not practiced in the entire LGU; only two barangays do
- Lack of discipline among community members/residents
- Problem disposing of dead animals – no standard rule
- Difficulties enforcing SWM Plan
- Use/functionality of MRF needs improvement – may need to strengthen information and education campaign and advocacy
Plans on education and support needed
- Help struggling learners – absenteeism is high. Learners cannot cope up with lessons. They need additional interventions
- Support parents to improve their economic status – developing livelihood programs (with the help of DSWD)
- Development of learning materials that are relevant to learners’ context
- Programs that will address social and emotional needs of children and their mental health
- Last mile schools – a checklist of needs were asked by the DepEd but no support was given
Wishlist of barangays
- PPE for MRF waste collectors and scrappers – rubber boots, face mask, rain coat, hand gloves
- Training on segregation, recycling and composting
