Archival orders barangay captains: Impose proper sanitary measures

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival has ordered all barangay captains to strictly observe proper sanitary measures in the transport of garbage, following reports of leaking and improperly covered trucks that have caused unsanitary conditions and public inconvenience along the way.

The directive, issued through Memorandum No. 2026-00077 yesterday (January 23), comes at a time when Cebu City continues to dispose of its garbage at the Asian Energy System Corp. landfill in Barangay Polog, Consolacion, after the temporary closure of the Binaliw landfill earlier this month due to a fatal trash slide.

Archival did not go into details about the “reports” he had received but residents of Polog in Consolation earlier raised complaints over foul odors, traffic congestion, and leachate seepage allegedly linked to Cebu City’s garbage trucks transporting garbage for disposal there.

Local hearings and reports have documented how uncovered and leaking trucks have worsened sanitation concerns along major roads and within host communities.

The arrangement has strained relations between Cebu City and Consolacion, with residents insisting that their community should not bear the brunt of Cebu’s emergency disposal needs.

Mayor Archival’s memorandum emphasizes that garbage trucks must be fully and securely covered during transport, that waste-hauling vehicles must be well-maintained and leak-proof, and that any spillage, leakage, or offensive odor must be immediately addressed.

Drivers, personnel, and contractors are to be regularly reminded and supervised to ensure compliance with sanitation and environmental standards.

The order is anchored on Republic Act No. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code.

It also notes that traffic and enforcement authorities of other local government units may enforce applicable sanitation and environmental laws within their jurisdictions.

In his public statement, Mayor Archival underscored the broader intent of the directive.  “This is about public health, environmental protection, and discipline in our city. Let us work together to keep Cebu City clean and safe,” he declared.

His words reflect the urgency of balancing Cebu City’s immediate disposal needs with the welfare of host communities in Consolacion.

Cebu City generates an estimated 500 to 600 tons of garbage daily. With the Binaliw landfill closed and the Consolacion arrangement set to expire in early February, the city faces a looming waste management challenge.

The mayor’s directive seeks to ensure that, at the very least, garbage transport is carried out responsibly and with respect for neighboring communities.

 As Cebu City navigates this transitional phase, the memorandum signals a renewed push for discipline and accountability in waste management.  (CEBU NEWS)