The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) – Central Office, through its Hazardous Waste Management Section led by Chief Karen Tandang, successfully concluded, June 25, the annual validation of Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) Facilities and Preliminary Disinfection and Storage Facilities (PDSF) for healthcare waste across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The validation activity assessed facility compliance with Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2013-22, which outlines standards for the proper handling and disinfection of healthcare waste. The initiative also aimed to strengthen regulatory oversight, provide technical guidance, and improve the operational performance of healthcare waste management facilities in the region.
During the visit, EMB officials engaged with facility operators to evaluate installation standards, storage practices, and adherence to waste treatment protocols. The activity also served as a venue for offering recommendations to promote safer, more sustainable healthcare waste practices.
Present during the validation were representatives from DENR-EMB Region IX, including Supervising Environmental Management Specialist Analie Serrano, Senior EMS Rea Evie Liza Alimbo, EMS II Orlando Johann Tantoco, Liza May Arquiza and Mary Claire Geduquio. They were joined by Dennis John Cabanatan, Rashiela Yanina Antasuda, and Irvin Cadavona from the DENR-EMB Central Office. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
