P15M for sardines-for-trash pushed

In order to fund the expansion of Basura Mo, Sardinas Ko project of the Cebu City government, a budget of P15 million is being pushed, according to Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr.

Gabuya, chairman of the council committee on public services, told to The FREEMAN yesterday that Mayor Tomas Osmeña has already approved the budget to be charged under Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) fund.

“I am proposing P15 million… Okay na, gi-approve na niya (Osmeña),” Gabuya said.

The proposed budget will be used for the BMSK project in general, including procurement of additional sardine supplies.

“In general, for the program gyud and, of course, it includes sa ubang expenses kay before mi mo-implement anang barangaya, among ipulong-pulong man ang sitios concerned,” Gabuya said.

The project will be expanded to the coastal barangays of the city, which include Sambag I, Sambag II, Bulacao, Inayawan, Guadalupe, Tisa, Tinago, among others.

The proposed P15 million budget will be presented before and subject to the approval of City Council through a resolution to be sponsored by Gabuya.

In a separate interview, Councilor Joel Garganera, who used to head the council's environment committee, said he stands firm on his earlier opinion that this project is not an effective way in solving the garbage problem of the city.

“We have so many solutions that may give better results like the proper segregation of wastes, establishing an effective material recovery facility in several barangays, regular maintenance of drainage, establishing catch basins up stream, improving our drainage plan. I mean, there are a million ways to do this, but he would choose to stick to sardines? Come on, this is ridiculous. We are a premiere city and this is the only solution we can offer?” Garganera said.

To recall, the city government launched the project in January this year in Barangays CogonPardo and Lahug. Since the project's inception, the city has purchased P5 million worth of sardines charged under Accelerated Social Amelioration Program account.