Guba officials clarify: No final stand yet on WTE project

CEBU, Philippines — Local officials in Barangay Guba, Cebu City have clarified that they have yet to make a stand on the proposed construction of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in their area.

The clarification came after reports circulated that residents had formally objected to the project, allegedly causing political tension among barangay officials. Some residents, however, remain skeptical, citing potential health and environmental hazards.

Barangay Guba officials led by Captain Orland Herrera said Wednesday that they have not yet issued any official position on the proposal as they are still waiting for a public hearing with the Department of Health (DOH) and other concerned agencies. These agencies are expected to explain the project’s implications.

Herrera said they are open to following due process, which includes a thorough public hearing. He explained that he had to clarify the matter after another barangay official held a press conference claiming that Guba had already objected to the project.

He added that during the same press conference, some officials were even accused of accepting payments to push for the project.

Herrera admitted that the issue has caused division among barangay officials and residents.

“It is the ideal process nga maminaw ta sa tagsa-tagsa ka habig, especially sa sakto nga agencies, knowing nga ang project is not coming from the barangay. Ang amo lang, makadungog ang katawhan,” he said.

“Kami man ang ma-technical as barangay officials if atong i-cut off ang proseso kay naa man tay ginasunod na proseso,” he added.

Herrera said the local council remains divided, with some members opposing the project while others have yet to decide. Most officials, he said, are reserving their position until after the next public hearing—initially scheduled for October 25 or 26—where DOH and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) representatives are expected to discuss the residents’ concerns.

The long-standing plan to build a WTE facility in Cebu City faces another delay of up to three years, according to project proponent Councilor Joel Garganera. He said that while the project was originally projected to be completed this year under a three-year timeline from 2023, it has yet to break ground due to public resistance.

One of the biggest challenges, Garganera said, is securing the public’s trust and approval, particularly from Guba residents.

Previously, he released a copy of a petition from some residents expressing opposition to the project, citing health and environmental risks.

Herrera said he was surprised by the petition drive, which he claimed was initiated by the same incumbent city councilor without coordination with barangay officials.

“Mao na among gikahibungan kay maayo kaayo mo-present nga incumbent councilor, pero wala may coordination sa barangay,” Herrera said.

He added that the barangay has yet to receive any official document seeking its endorsement or objection.

Some residents have also expressed uncertainty and concern about the project.

In an interview, Guba resident Alma Magdadaro, 54, said the community feels vulnerable since the project is being pushed by the city government.

“Isip lumulopyo sa Guba, bahin ana nga basura nga ibutang sa among baryo, pero kay city government man na nga project, wala mi mahimo. Pero ako, dili gyud ko ganahan ana,” she said.

“Anhi lage daw ibutang ang basura kay pareha gud ana sa Binaliw, baho kaayo sa tanan. Unya inag hatod, daghan kaayo mahagbong, unya daghan langaw… delikado sa mga bata,” she added.

Magdadaro said many residents still do not fully understand the project’s purpose and have yet to be consulted.

Mayor Nestor Archival assured that the city government will follow due process and meet all requirements before the project proceeds.

“It’s not a formal protest. Maghimo sila ug formal unsay ilang na come up sa ilang meeting. Naa may public hearing, gahulat nalang sad ko ana,” Archival said.

“Usa sa mga importante nga documents kay ang ECC man. Kung walay ECC, unsaon pag-proceed? Ang usa sa need sa ECC kay council resolution aron makahatag sila. Wala ko muingon nga mag-formal protest. Exactly. We must go through the process,” he added.

Garganera earlier said the city is still securing permits from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the DENR—requirements that hinge on public approval, thus the need for more hearings. Another challenge, he said, is the reclassification of the project site from agrarian land.

For now, Garganera said the focus is on helping the public understand the project.

“We really have to inform and educate them. Kay sukwahi man gud ni sa ilang nadawat ug nahanggab ba,” he said.

Based on earlier presentations, the WTE project could generate around 208 kilowatts per ton of garbage, or about 140,000 kilowatts for 500 tons. The Cebu City government is expected to receive three percent of gross power sales revenue once the project begins operation. –/FPL (FREEMAN)