Cebu leaders sign pledge to address garbage crisis

CEBU, Philippines — A broad coalition of government officials, environmental advocates, and industry stakeholders have signed a pledge of commitment to address Cebu’s mounting waste problem during a forum “Understanding Choices Series 1: Cebu’s Waste Dilemma and Potential Solution-Interventions” at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu on Thursday.

The pledge-signing, led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro and joined by members of the Provincial Board, Cebu mayors, and international experts, underscored a unified push to pursue sustainable and long-term waste management solutions.

The event also featured the opening of an exhibit showcasing local and international solid waste solution providers, highlighting technologies and innovations aimed at addressing Cebu’s growing garbage concerns.

In her message, Baricuatro stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships beyond the local level, particularly by engaging international stakeholders in crafting effective interventions.

The conference gathered representatives from government, the private sector, and civil society to discuss actionable strategies as Cebu faces rising waste output driven by population growth and urbanization. The strain on existing systems has led to clogged drainage, overburdened landfills, and increasing environmental and public health risks.

The urgency of reforms was reinforced by lessons from the Binaliw landfill disaster, which exposed gaps in landfill management and enforcement of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Participants called for stricter waste segregation policies, expanded recycling programs, and the establishment of more sustainable waste processing facilities. The “No Segregation, No Collection” policy was highlighted as a key measure to enforce accountability among households, businesses, and institutions.

Officials also pushed for the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in barangays to support waste sorting, processing, and recycling, helping reduce the volume of garbage sent to landfills.

“Our waste problem is not just about volume. It is about how poorly managed, what could have been reduced, reuse, or recycled. Waste management is often treated as a sanitation issue. But in reality, it is much bigger than that. It is a public health issue, an environmental responsibility, a test of governance, and collective discipline,” said DENR-7 regional executive director Laudemir Salac.

Baricuatro acknowledged the urgency of the situation, warning of heavier consequences if action is delayed.

“I have seen it myself, and I have heard the stories. I know that if we do not act now, the consequences will only grow heavier for our people,” she said.

“This is about accountability, this is about leadership, and this is about the kind of Cebu we choose to build—Ato ang Sugbo!” she added.

Stakeholders said the signed pledge marks a concrete step toward coordinated action, emphasizing that sustained collaboration—both local and international—will be key to turning the tide on Cebu’s waste crisis. — Sandara Yda Laurente and Ashley Chad Jopia, CTU-Tuburan interns/FPL (CEBU NEWS)