Fines, jail term: Archival warns waste violators

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has issued a stern warning regarding the enforcement of the city's waste segregation policy. Starting on February 1, violators will face penalties, which could include fines, community service, or even legal action.

Households are encouraged to heed information drives that will be conducted until January 15. From January 16 to January 31, warning citations will be issued to those who do not comply.

“By February, naa nay ngipon — the ordinance will have teeth,” Archival stressed, underscoring that garbage collectors will refuse unsorted trash.

First-time offenders will be fined ?500. The City’s Solid Waste Management Board, however, is proposing to increase the fines.

Repeat violators who fail to pay will be charged in court, where judges may impose community service. “The moment gani nga madakpan unya dili mubayad, ato gyud pasakaan ug sumbong,” Archival said in yesterday’s press conference, warning that the city government will not hesitate to take proper action against violators.

Barangay environmental officers, city enforcement teams, and NGOs will be deputized to issue citations, while residents are urged to report violators through the city hotline.

Archival emphasized that Cebu City Hall itself must serve as the model of compliance, with segregation bins required in every office.

“This is not easy, but as mayor, I will do it. It might not be successful in the next few months, but we will continue until it becomes successful,” Archival said, expressing confidence that Cebuanos will cooperate after the Sinulog festivities.

Archival identified his administration’s two top priorities for 2026: the full enforcement of the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy and the completion of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

The CCMC, envisioned as the city’s flagship public hospital, has long been under construction following the demolition of the old facility in 2014.

Archival announced that the new medical center is targeted for completion by December 2026, with hopes of admitting patients by January 2027.  “Health is our foremost priority,” he said.

Alongside health, cleanliness remains central. Archival has already met with loaders, drivers, and garbage collectors to finalize strategies for strict enforcement. Color-coded collection teams will be deployed, and segregation bins will be mandatory in all departments. “City Hall must be the model,” he emphasized.

The “No Segregation, No Collection” policy was made to instill discipline in waste management and reduce environmental impact.

Under the policy, garbage collectors are prohibited from picking up unsorted trash. Enforcement teams, barangay officers, and NGOs will issue citations, while violators risk fines, legal cases, or community service.

Information campaigns began January 1, with leaflets distributed to barangays and households. From January 16 to 31, citations will be issued as warnings. By February 1, however, enforcement will be absolute. “This is really a challenge,” Archival admitted, “but I know Cebuanos will help.”

Archival appealed to residents, offices, and institutions to comply and report violators. “Dili ta magpataka ug panglabay sa atong basura, kay kini mubalik ra gihapon nato,” he said, reminding that discipline in waste management is not only a civic duty but a safeguard for public health.

With the CCMC nearing completion and the waste segregation ordinance set to bite, Archival vowed to carry Cebu City into 2026 with discipline, health, and resilience at the forefront. — (FREEMAN)