ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT 9003

IN ILIGAN CITY

Ray Vincent E. Araa

rayvincentarana@gmail.com
Iligan Capitol College
Mahayahay, Iligan City, Philippines

Ed D. Ocapan, Ritche Karl M. Celestino, Rhodjane K. Zaportiza,

Apple Jane F. Pantaleon and Mican S. Alinsonorin
College of Criminology
Iligan Capitol College
Mahayahay, Iligan City, Philippines

ABSTRACT

Environmental laws are enacted for the purpose of protecting the environment.
This study was conducted to assess the implementation of R.A. 9003 or known as the
Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 in Iligan City. This study
utilized the descriptive survey design that involved description, analysis and
interpretation of the data gathered from the responses of 200 respondents or barangay
officials from 20 barangays of Iligan City. They were selected as respondents because
they have direct observation on the enforcement and violations of the law in their areas
of responsibility. A three-part research survey questionnaire was used as its main data
gathering instrument, where some items are extracted from the study of Nabe (2013).

Research findings revealed that the enforcement of selected provisions of the

Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 or the R.A. 9003 in relation
to the functions of a local government unit is high or moderately enforced which means
that the provisions are often complied while the enforcement against prohibited acts is
often indicating frequent enforcement.

Interview on some respondents disclosed that lack of orientation and trainings on

the law, lack of financial resources, lack of authority to make financial and administrative
decisions, no proper institutional set-up for solid waste management, the difficulty of
locating and/or acquiring landfill site, and the poor public cooperation were among the
reasons that influence the weak implementation or non-compliance of the local
government units with R.A. 9003.

Thus, massive educational campaign on appropriate and effective solid waste

management practices should be conducted in the residential, institutional, industrial,
hospitals and commercial establishments to promote public awareness. The local
government units formulate a long-term and comprehensive solid waste management
programs that would encourage and motivate the public to actively participate and
cooperate. The local government units should likewise reach out and build partnership
with non-government organizations, private sectors and civic organizations to mobilize
resources. The academic institutions or schools should initiate environmental
awareness programs focusing on the solid waste management in the community.