From cemeteries in Cebu City: About 40 tons trash collected

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Public Services (DPS) has collected around 40 tons of garbage from nine cemeteries in Cebu City in the past two days.

DPS assistant head John Paul Gelasque said the cemeteries in Barangays Calamba and Carreta produced the biggest amount of trash.

The garbage was collected both inside and outside the cemeteries.

Garbage collection was made 24 hours since November 1 to ensure cleanliness during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Up to three cleaners were deployed per cemetery.

On regular days, the city generates 530 tons of garbage every day.

Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr., chairman of the City Council Committee on Public Services, said he is satisfied with the performance of DPS and the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office in maintaining the city clean.

“Yes satisfied ko... it's generally manageable but the public is reminded not to throw their garbage anywhere,” he told The FREEMAN.

Since October 31, CCENRO deployed over 200 BEOs in all cemeteries to issue citation tickets to those who will be caught violating the anti-littering ordinance.

Those who indiscriminately throw trash anywhere will pay a fine amounting to P500 to P5,000.

Any person caught violating the anti-smoking ordinance will be fined at least P2 000 and up to P5,000.

As far as public order is concerned, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CCDRRMO) head Nagiel Bañacia says the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day has been peaceful.

The city’s Command Control Center (C3) has not recorded any major incident at the cemeteries.

“Kasagaran diri sa gawas, vehicular incident, naa’y usual nga gi-atake og high blood,” he said.

He said public awareness has made the observance of Kalag-Kalag generally peaceful, adding, that law enforcers and other concerned agencies were deployed to maintain orderly and peaceful surroundings.

“Ang mga tawo aware na daan sila, aware na daan sa ilahang buhaton ba. Effective atong pahimangno sa ilaha, so far so good,” Bañacia said.

To recall, there were over 200 personnel from CCDDRMO deployed to various cemeteries in the city.

The city government also installed first aid stations and portable toilets, among others, at the cemeteries. (FREEMAN)