Solid Waste Management Practices in Gingoog City: An Assessment of Compliance with the Republic Act 9003

The study aimed to assess the compliance of the people of Gingoog City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines, with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. This descriptive research was conducted at the seven (7) identified barangays in Gingoog City, with 78 residents selected as participants using a purposive sampling technique. A survey was carried out using a self-administered and validated questionnaire with open-ended questions. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (i.e., frequency distribution and percentage). Out of 78 participants, 35 are professionals, 23 are students, and 20 are plain homemakers. The results revealed that 58% of the participants are aware of the existence of RA 9003 and the corresponding penalties thereof if not followed. However, only 26% of the participants said that they are practicing solid waste segregation and disposal properly. Moreover, in terms of the implementation and monitoring system of the law by the government authority, the majority of participants are not satisfied (68%). It implies that the concerned office in the implementation and monitoring of the law or ordinance is not performing diligently its mandated functions. To improve the degree of compliance with the said law, some of the suggestions made by the participants include strict implementation of the penalty should be imposed on those who violate the law; more seminars should be conducted for the residents to increase awareness and the impact of non-compliance to the environment; and there must be a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay to maintain proper segregation of wastes.