LAOAG CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) - With the aim for an intensified commitment for environmental conservation, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte launched a province-wide solid waste management program called "Narimat nga Aglawlaw" on October 4 at Brgy. Casili in this city.

This information campaign engages the full cooperation of the communities in complying to Republic Act 9003 also known as "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000."

Led by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, he addressed the serious need in observing proper waste management in the communities.

"The world faces a plastic crisis now. These plastics are not only damaging our environment but also damaging us," the young governor said.

The launching ceremony is attended by key local government officials to educate them in proper waste management and later on, bring down this information to their constituents.

NARIMAT NGA AGLAWLAW. Officials signed their commitment in the Environment Covenant during the launching of the 'Narimat nga Aglawlaw" program on October 4 at Brgy. Casili in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. (photo by Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco/PIA Ilocos Norte)

"Panahon na para patunayan natin na kaya nating alagaan hindi lang ang ating kapaligiran kung 'di pati na rin ang ating probinsiya," Gov. Manotoc challenged the local officials.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Victor Dabalos urges full cooperation of the communities through habitual practice of proper waste segregation in their households.

To signify their commitment for environment protection, officials and participants pledged their vow by affixing their signatures in the Environment Covenant.

Afterwards, mayors and barangay chairmen demonstrated proper waste segregation by separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials and dumped them in the appropriate trash cans.

Re-echoing his call for environmental protection, the governor ended his speech by encouraging the public to support his vision for the province.

"A cleaner province is a healthier province. Indeed, the time is now," he ended. (AMB/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)