In support of the Provincial Local Government of Nueva Vizcaya’s solid waste management efforts, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 2 has provided funds for the procurement of two sets of manual brick-making and hollow block machines with mixers.

On May 17 and May 18, 2023, in separate ceremonies, the two sets of solid waste management equipment were formally handed over to LGU Dupax del Sur and LGU Ambaguio, respectively. The turnover ceremony was led by the newly appointed Governor of the Province, Attorney Jose Gambito, Vice-Governor Honorable Eufemia Dacayo, and the Provincial Science and Technology Office Nueva Vizcaya, Engr. Jonathan D.R. Nuestro.

The primary objective of the initiative is to minimize residual waste by transforming it into usable and value-added products. During his address, Director Nuestro challenged the recipients to maximize the potential of the equipment in solving the solid waste issue. He emphasized the importance of incorporating at least 50% plastic or non-biodegradable materials into the production of hollow blocks, bricks, and other related items.

Honorable Aldwin Aban, a Sanguniang Bayan Member of LGU Dupax del Sur & representing the Mayor of Dupax del Sur, Hon. Neil M. Magaway expressed his gratitude to DOST and PLGU Nueva Vizcaya for choosing their municipality to adopt the technology. He assured the attending officials that they would utilize the equipment to its fullest extent, effectively reducing waste in the municipality.

Similarly, Mayor Ronelio Danao of LGU Ambaguio expressed gratitude to DOST and PLGU Nueva Vizcaya for providing the equipment. He assured the office that they would utilize the equipment, as one of his administration’s priorities is the establishment of a sanitary landfill to address future concerns about solid waste in the Municipality.

The turn-over ceremonies were also attended by Forester Tito Tanguilig, Provincial Environment & Natural Resources Office, Samuel T. Galate, MENRO Designate of LGU Ambaguio & Melvin M. Gorospe, OIC MENRO of LGU Dupax del Sur, among others.