SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND AWARENESS ASSESSMENT OF DIGOS CITY

Solid waste management and disposal is one of the major problems most of the cities are facing nowadays. If such problem continues over time and not addressed, it may eventually lead to negative impact to the environment and may also increase the number of extinct fauna. (Suleman Y, Darko ET, Agyemang-Duah W, 2015).With a total population of approximately 169,393 in 2015, Digos City is one of the most densely - populated cities outside Davao City (Regional Development Council, Davao Region, 2015). Hence, the ongoing development with a goal in making it into a trading center and an alternative settlement of Davao City is a great challenge to the local government units in maintaining a clean and healthy city for its citizens. Over 150 respondents from different sectors including households, schools both public and private, hospitals, businesses and commercial establishments, private offices and local government offices, gave their time to answer the survey questionnaires and interviewed representatives in each sector to gather information on the knowledge and practices respondents have on solid waste management. The main focus of the research project is first, to bring into the community awareness of the current situation of the Solid Waste Management of Digos City and its serious and adverse effects to the human health and environment. Second is to discuss possible solutions or strategies to address the current problems and issues of the solid waste in accordance to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Third, to encourage community participation and cooperation to battle against solid waste problem for a better place to live.The inefficiency and unsustainable solid waste management of the local government is not only an environmental issue but also an economical, societal, and political issue. The challenges of managing solid waste will continue to be an issue if not taken into consideration and immediate attention by the local officials