Rama mulls outsourcing garbage collection

CEBU, Philippines – About 300 garbage collectors of Cebu City stand to lose their jobs after Mayor Michael Rama considers outsourcing the city's garbage collection because he is not satisfied with their performance.

Human Resource and Development Officer Mary Ann Suson said these garbage collectors who are casual employees of the City Hall might be displaced once the city outsourced personnel from private agencies to collect the garbage.

Suson, however, clarified that nothing is final yet because Rama said this will be their last resort if garbage collection will not improve.

Rama admitted in his news conference yesterday that garbage collectors need further improvement. The Mayor also received information that some garbage collectors use their jobs to do business.

"I don't want garbage collectors engaging in business. I found that they are segregating," Rama said.

Suson said that the plan to outsource garbage collectors goes back to the thrust of the Mayor to ensure cleanliness in the city.

"Mubalik gyud sa iyang ganahan nga wala'y tapulan sa City Hall. Naka-mention siguro si Mayor ana kay if dili gyud siya malimpyo, then they're not working, so better i-outsource na lang. But again, it's not final yet," Suson said.

Right now, Cebu City is outsourcing the services of a private agency for utility works at the City Hall. It might include soon the services of garbage collection.

Solving the garbage problem is one of Rama's priorities along with the concerns of the city residents in peace and order, drainage, street lighting and traffic among others. (FREEMAN)