CENRO Samal Island

IGaCoS Shares Best Practices on Sanitary Landfill Operations with Region XI LGUs

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) of the Island Garden City of Samal took part in the Sanitary Landfill Operations Training conducted on March 30–31, 2026, at Camp Holiday Resort, organized by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region XI.

The activity gathered LGU representatives across Region XI with established sanitary landfills in compliance with Republic Act No. 9003, aiming to further strengthen technical knowledge, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in sanitary landfill management.

During the training, the City ENRO of IGaCoS served as one of the presenters and shared its Sanitary Landfill Operations Manual, highlighting the City’s experience and best practices as the first LGU in Davao del Norte to establish a sanitary landfill in 2015. The presentation emphasized key operational systems, monitoring protocols, documentation, and environmental safeguards implemented by the City.

To complement the discussions, participants also joined a field visit to the Ecopark Facility located in Sitio Sampao, Barangay Mambago-A, Island Garden City of Samal. The visit provided a firsthand look at the City’s integrated solid waste management facilities, including:

• Sanitary Landfill Facility (SLF)
• Wastewater Treatment Facility (Leachate Treatment System)
• Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
• Other essential components of the Ecopark

The activity fostered knowledge-sharing and collaboration among LGUs, reinforcing the commitment of local governments to sustainable and compliant solid waste management systems.

The City ENRO of IGaCoS remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote environmental protection and the continuous improvement of solid waste management practices.

On March 27, 2026, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) successfully conducted the testing and dry run of the newly installed weighbridge at the Ecopark located in Sitio Sampao, Barangay Mambago-A, Samal District.

This project is part of the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership Programme, funded by a €60 million (₱3.67 billion) grant from the European Union and implemented from 2023 to 2028. The programme is led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It also forms part of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which promotes sustainable investments and green transition among partner countries.

The weighbridge is one of the key equipment provided to the Local Government Unit (LGU) under the project, alongside other support facilities aimed at strengthening the City’s solid waste management system. Its installation marks a significant step toward improving the accuracy and efficiency of waste data collection across Samal Island, ensuring proper monitoring, reporting, and evidence-based planning.

Furthermore, this initiative is under the Circular Economy Portfolio implemented by UNDP Philippines. The Island Garden City of Samal is honored to be among the first ten (10) Local Government Units (LGUs) in the country selected under Tier 1-A of the programme.

Through initiatives like this, the City continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable waste management through a circular economy approach

Meet Samal’s Newest Environmental Ambassadors! 🐢🦉

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) proudly launched the newest Environmental Ambassadors of the Island Garden City of Samal — Pawpaw the Sea Turtle and Kuku the Owl during the Enviro-Fiesta for Kids held on March 6, 2025.

The activity gathered enthusiastic elementary and high school students from various schools across the island, who participated in engaging environmental games and learning activities aimed at strengthening environmental awareness and responsibility among the youth.

Pawpaw the Sea Turtle symbolizes the importance of protecting Samal’s rich marine ecosystems, while Kuku the Owl represents wisdom and the protection of our forests and wildlife. These animals were chosen as the City’s environmental ambassadors because they are species commonly seen within the island and are often rescued by the City ENRO and City Veterinarian’s Office, reflecting that these species continue to thrive in the natural environment of Samal.

Their presence highlights the importance of protecting our natural habitats so that wildlife can continue to live and flourish within the island.

The introduction of Pawpaw and Kuku also marks a new and creative way for the City ENRO to connect with the community, especially the youth, in promoting environmental stewardship. In the coming months, these mascots will be present in various environmental programs, campaigns, and activities organized by the City ENRO, helping spread awareness about conservation, waste management, and the protection of our natural resources.

Through Pawpaw and Kuku, the City ENRO hopes to inspire the youth of Samal to become future champions of environmental protection, ensuring that the Island Garden City of Samal remains a safe haven for both people and wildlife for generations to come.