Mayor orders removal of garbage from SRP

CEBU, Philippines — Amid public clamor over its foul smell and compliance disputes, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has ordered the immediate removal of accumulated garbage at the South Road Properties (SRP), which had been used as a temporary dumping site despite earlier disapproval.

During a press conference, Archival said he had already directed the Cebu City Department of Public Services (DPS) to clear the site by March 15.

According to the mayor, the initial target was March 10, but additional time was requested to ensure that the garbage would be completely removed.

When asked why garbage was dumped at SRP despite earlier disapproval, the mayor said he has yet to review the documents related to the decision.

Waste costs may double to p1 billion

Archival also warned that the city’s garbage management expenses could double to about P1 billion, largely due to rising fuel costs and the relocation of waste disposal to the municipality of Aloguinsan.

He said the city’s garbage disposal budget from December 2025 to 2026 was initially set at P500 million.

However, due to the increase in fuel costs and because Aloguinsan is far from the city, hauling expenses have surged.

“Angatong cost musakagyud in fact since angAloguisan which is very far… ang gas nisaka sad, akong estimate musaka times two, so more or less 1 billion,” he said.

To reduce landfill costs, the city government is intensifying waste diversion efforts anchored on the provisions of Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Archival noted that under the law, only about 10 percent of total waste should go to landfills, while the rest should be diverted through recycling, composting, or other methods.

Biodegradable waste alone accounts for roughly 60 percent of Cebu City’s garbage, he said.

The city has started diverting organic waste from the Carbon Market to a shredding area in SRP instead of sending it to landfill sites. The initiative currently diverts 12 to 15 tons of biodegradable waste daily.

The city is also encouraging barangays to segregate waste so biodegradable materials can be processed separately.

In line with this, Archival also said they are preparing to ask the City Council for a supplemental budget to cover rising garbage disposal costs.

“So konmahumannanakongsemanahana, we will be asking the council for a supplemental budget unya we will have to convene the CCDC para mahimo to ang documentation ngailang e-endorse padulongsa (City) Council,” he added.

Archival emphasized that no programs will be sacrificed despite asking for more funds for waste disposal.

Cement company eyes plastic waste as fuel

Archival said the city is also negotiating with a cement company that has expressed interest in accepting single-use plastics such as sachets from Cebu City’s waste stream.

The plastics would be used in the company’s plant, potentially reducing the volume of garbage transported to landfills. The city government expects to present a possible agreement with the company early next week.

Proposed “buy-back” system for plastics

Meanwhile, the City Council is studying an ordinance that would introduce a buy-back scheme for plastic waste, similar to the deposit system once used for soft drink bottles.

Under the proposal, manufacturers or companies that produce plastic packaging may be required to purchase back items such as bottles and sachets at a set amount to encourage collection and recycling.

The proposal is still under study and will undergo a public hearing.

Waste facility plans still under study

Currently, Archival said the location of a new transfer station remains undecided as the city continues to secure the necessary permits.

However, he noted that if new waste management facilities remain in Barangay Binaliw, it could significantly reduce hauling costs because of its proximity to the city.

He emphasized that any facility must fully comply with requirements set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The mayor also said the city is exploring waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, noting that investors from Japan, South Korea, and China have expressed interest.

Archival recently learned during a visit to Japan that WTE facilities must be strategically located due to their cost and environmental impact.

The city is considering one to two plants, although the location, cost, and environmental implications are still under evaluation.

A garbage summit spearheaded by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is also scheduled from March 17 to 19 to discuss long-term waste management solutions for Cebu. - Elizabeth Salarde, UP Intern, and Caecent No-otMagsumbol/IHM (FREEMAN)