Villar Sipag, the foundation built by the family of Senator Cynthia Villar, was recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its dedication, continuous support and esteemed contributions towards a cleaner, healthier and greener environment.
The awarding ceremony was held during the agency’s Environmental Summit and Exhibit 2022 on July 14 at the Manila Hotel.
In her keynote message, Villar thanked DENR for the award and vowed to continue cultivating awareness and encouraging the engagement of stakeholders to reduce and properly manage waste.
“We appreciate the recognition because it validates our commitment that we are doing something right for the environment and we are looking forward to other communities to follow our lead,” said Villar during the summit with the theme, “Strengthening Waste Management for a Healthier Environment.”
She also lauded the organizers for highlighting in this event the solid waste management best practices that may be replicated by LGUs, communities and private entities nationwide.
For the past several years, Villar said she and Villar SIPAG have established barangay-based livelihood enterprises that are models of proper waste management and good examples of how garbage can be turned into useful end-products.
“The raw materials we use in the livelihood projects are from wastes,” noted Villar.
In her message, the senator also highlighted composting, which she spearheaded in her homecity in Las Pinas.
Villar emphasized that composting which solves problems like pollution from garbage, soil degradation and food wastes, complies with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and RA 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act which she championed.
“We have 67 composters spread out in 20 barangays in the city, which are utilized by 70,000 households, and produce 70 tons of organic fertilizers monthly. In turn, these organic fertilizers are being distributed to towns so their farmers may no longer need to buy fertilizers, ” she said.
