Vermicomposting to be Introduced in the Barangay

Moving towards the end of the plans for the barangay's solid waste management, one goal that remains to be solved is to increase the number of households utilizing compost pits from 13% in 2015 to 50% by June 2019 since 40% of the community wastes comprises biodegradable wastes according to the WACS result obtained in 2016. Presently, 34.7% of the households have compost pits within their households.

One way to encourage some of the community people with sufficient vacant lot within their household to have their own compost pits, and hence, help easily manage the biodegradable wastes of the barangay is to introduce the vermicomposting - a type of composting in which certain species of microorganisms, especially earthworms, are used to enhance the process of organic or biodegradable waste conversion and produce a better end-product. The organisms would feed on these waste materials and they would pass it through their digestive system and gives out in a granular form (cocoons) which is known as vermicompost. The vermicompost contains more nutrients that are immediately available to plants, and in general, it can improve the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the soil.

This plan essentially does not only target the problem on wastes disposal but also can help boost the problems on malnutrition, particularly in relation to the recent project that we have launched - making of communal gardens. The product to be obtained can then boost the vegetables and soils of these gardens. This will perhaps also open an avenue of extra income to the barangay's farming industry - the most common form of income-generating job within the community.

The group has already partnered with the Department of Agriculture in Sergio Osmena, and the plan had been relayed during a barangay meeting in which the barangay officials affirmed and sent out their support for the plan. Contact and discussion with various farmers with knowledge on vermiculture will also be established.