Chan urges RDC-7 to step in amid waste disposal crisis

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan has urged the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 to step in and consider a region-wide approach to solid waste management, citing mounting pressure on local governments due to limited landfill space and rising waste disposal costs.

King-Chan raised the issue during the Joint Executive Committee and Advisory Committee Consultation Meeting and Technical Budget Review for the 2027 budget proposals of regional line agencies and state universities and colleges, held yesterday, February 12, at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

In her presentation, the mayor said the increasing volume of waste generated by highly urbanized and rapidly growing cities in Central Visayas has exposed gaps in existing waste management systems, which are largely handled at the local level.

She noted that several local governments are already facing constraints in landfill capacity, while hauling waste to distant disposal sites continues to increase operational expenses.

To address these concerns, King-Chan proposed that the RDC explore the establishment of a Regional Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility, which could serve multiple local government units.

She also suggested conducting a feasibility study on waste-to-energy projects, developing a shared sanitary landfill, and strengthening cooperation among LGUs in waste diversion and recycling initiatives.

The mayor said solid waste management has become a regional concern with implications for environmental protection and public health, particularly in densely populated and tourism-driven areas such as Metro Cebu.

“Sustainable development begins with how responsibly we manage our resources, and how we deal with our waste today will shape the environmental health, public safety, and quality of life of the next generation,” she said.

The consultation was presided over by RDC Chairperson and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, with RDC-7 Co-Chairperson and Economic Development Committee Chair Melanie Ng and RDC-7 Vice Chairperson and Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDevT) Regional Director Jennifer Bretaña also in attendance.

The meeting gathered mayors, regional directors, heads of national government agencies, and private sector representatives to review and align priority programs and budget proposals for 2027, with the aim of ensuring that regional plans respond to emerging challenges and shared needs across Central Visayas.

Kalunasan bears disposal weight

In the wake of the Binaliw trash slide, several barangays in Cebu City are now struggling with limited waste disposal options, including Barangay Kalunasan.

With regular garbage collection temporarily suspended, barangay officials are urging residents to strictly practice proper waste segregation and refrain from throwing trash in public areas.

Barangay official Corazon M. Aligado acknowledged that the disruption has led to mounting concerns within the community.

At present, garbage collection remains on hold as city authorities continue to determine an alternative disposal site, with waste-to-energy also being considered. The uncertainty has left many barangays struggling to manage accumulating waste.

Aligado said Barangay Kalunasan previously operated a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which the barangay captain intends to restore and expand as part of a long-term solution.

“Naa mi MRF sauna, mao sad nay dakong plano ni Kap nga after ma-recover kay i-expand pud ang MRF facility,” she said.

According to Aligado, the barangay’s former MRF was located in Sitio Paris 3. Plans are underway to rehabilitate the facility and potentially expand its capacity. Officials hope that strengthening barangay-level waste management systems will help ease the burden while the city addresses the large-scale disposal crisis.  Elizabeth Salarde, UP Cebu Intern, IHM (CEBU NEWS)