City: DPWH behind SRP cover-up

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival clarified that the installation of tarpaulins and board-ups along the South Road Properties (SRP) leading to NUSTAR, which covered visible pollution and floating garbage facing Barangay Pasil during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, was never part of his directive.

In a phone interview, Archival said his sole instruction was to clean the area, emphasizing that the decision to install the tarpaulins, to cover the polluted area, was made by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The tarpaulins and board-ups drew criticism on social media, with netizens saying the coverings merely concealed the extent of pollution in Barangay Pasil instead of addressing the issues of poor waste management, informal settlements along waterways, and weak enforcement of environmental laws.

According to Archival, DPWH officials informed the city government that a full cleanup could not be completed even with four backhoes deployed at the site due to the limited time available, at the time.

When concerns were raised over the unsightly situation, the mayor said he suggested exploring alternative ways to manage the situation rather than simply exposing the problem.

“One point is unsa may gusto nila ato tangtangon and ipakita na nila. But to clarify, dili na ni project sa syudad. Sa DPWH na ni nga project,” Archival said.

The mayor noted that garbage has been accumulating in the area for more than 25 years, making it unrealistic to expect a complete cleanup in just a short period.

Archival also stressed that Barangay Pasil is not the sole source of the waste. Instead, he said, it is among the communities most affected, suffering from foul odors and recurring flooding caused by garbage flowing downstream.

While acknowledging public frustration, the mayor urged residents to take part in the solution by practicing proper waste segregation and discipline rather than focusing solely on criticism.

He added that the city government will continue its information campaigns and cleanup operations, particularly in coastal areas.

Comparing Cebu’s situation to Japan’s, Archival noted that Japan took three decades to achieve its current level of cleanliness. He hopes that with greater discipline and responsibility in waste disposal, Cebu City could reach a similar standard.

Amid local criticism, Archival reported that ASEAN tourism ministers who took part in the recent Heritage Tour expressed positive impressions of the city, with some even commenting on Cebu’s cleanliness. /RAE

“Ipa una ang kalsada og widen aron maka tuo ta na nindot ang preparation for WTE area. Kay kon mag una ng WTE unya ang atong kalsada gamay … di’ nana mutuo nga puro garbage compactor ang musaka didto,” she explained, warning that private haulers will continue to struggle if access remains narrow.

Despite these reservations, Ruste acknowledged the promise of WTE, pointing to international examples where incineration plants not only reduced landfill dependence but also generated energy.

“Nahimo man gani na sa ubang countries … kita sad, nganong di man ta muhimo para sa atong garbage,” she added, noting that Cebu should pursue the technology if safeguards are met.

Her remarks follow Councilor Pastor Alcover’s proposal to explore WTE at the Binaliw landfill after its collapse, in which 36 workers and a rescuer died while over a dozen were injured. (CEBU NEWS)