Lapu-Lapu enforces purok-based solid waste management system

CEBU, Philippines — The Lapu-Lapu City government has officially implemented a purok-based solid waste management system, a new framework that shifts waste segregation and monitoring to the community level amid persistent concerns over rising garbage volume and limited disposal options.

The program was launched at the Hoops Dome on February 13, 2026, following the approval of City Ordinance No. 17-016-2025, which institutionalizes the approach and sets responsibilities for barangays and puroks in enforcing waste segregation and diversion.

Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, who led the launch, said the city is facing increasing waste generation and higher hauling costs, adding pressure to existing landfill arrangements.

She reiterated that waste management has become a broader environmental and public health issue that requires coordination beyond city boundaries.

During the event, King-Chan again raised the proposal for a regional integrated solid waste management facility, including a possible waste-to-energy study and a shared sanitary landfill among local government units, citing capacity and cost concerns.

The mayor earlier urged the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 to consider a region-wide approach to solid waste management.

She raised the issue during the Joint Executive Committee and Advisory Committee Consultation Meeting and Technical Budget Review for the fiscal year 2027 budget proposals of regional line agencies and state universities and colleges on February 12.

The ordinance that backs this grassroots approach aims to strengthen compliance with Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which mandates segregation at source, the establishment of material recovery facilities (MRFs), and reduced reliance on landfills.

City Councilor Rufo Bering, principal author of the measure and chairman of the council’s Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Adaptation, said the ordinance decentralizes accountability by assigning clear roles to purok leaders and barangay officials.

Under the system, households are required to strictly segregate waste, while barangays are tasked with monitoring compliance, operating or upgrading MRFs, and coordinating collection schedules with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

“This ordinance empowers every purok to take responsibility for its own waste. Kung magsugod ta sa matag panimalay ug matag purok, mas epektibo ang atong waste diversion,” Bering said.

“We are putting in place a system with clear guidelines, coordination with CENRO, and measurable targets for waste reduction,” he added.

Under the program, strict segregation at source will be enforced alongside waste reduction, reuse, and recycling initiatives to minimize residual waste brought to landfills. The city will also upgrade existing MRFs and improve collection systems.

King-Chan assured the strict enforcement of solid waste management ordinances through consistent monitoring and accountability measures.

“This requires the full support and active participation of every household, every school, every establishment, and every barangay. Dili kini mahimo kung walay panaghiusa ug kooperasyon sa tanan,” she said.

The city said it will step up enforcement and monitoring to ensure compliance.

City officials acknowledged that the program’s effectiveness will depend on sustained enforcement and community participation, particularly in reducing residual waste that ends up in landfills.

The launch was attended by city officials, barangay captains, and representatives from national agencies and was followed by a ceremonial signing of commitments by local leaders to implement the program in their respective areas. — (FREEMAN)