The Department of Natural Resources (DENR) allotted a P-2 million budget which will be divided among eight local government units (LGU) in Bohol for environmental projects such as the construction of materials recovery facilities or recycling centers.

According to the DENR in Central Visayas, the towns of Baclayon, Clarin, Inabanga and Valencia will be receiving P300,000 each while the LGUs in Tagbilaran City, Tubigon, Ubay and Candijay have been allotted P200,000 each.

Shredding machines to grind and hasten decomposition of garbage will also be distributed to the LGUs, said the DENR.

According to Engr. William Cuñado, chief of the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR-7, their office has been allotted P6.4 million for cash assistance to LGUs this year.

Financial aid released to the municipalities and cities will be based on their LGUs’ 10-year solid waste management plan, he added.

The initiative is intended to drive town and city governments to implement directives under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Cuñado also assured that the use of the funds they release to local governments will be closely monitored.

Meanwhile, six LGUs in Cebu and one in Siquijor will also be extended financial aid for their environmental projects.

Talisay City, Bogo City and Danao City in Cebu have been allotted P200,000 each while the towns of Alegria, Dumanjug and Sibonga in Cebu and Larena in Siquijor are set to receive P300,000 each.

Last year, Consolacion, Daanbantayan, Sogod, Poro, Sta. Fe and Argao in Cebu and Tagbilaran City, Tubigon, Jagna and Mabini in Bohol were extended the same financial assistance by the DENR. (Rey Tutas)