Investigation into improper waste disposal underway

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has ordered an immediate investigation and comprehensive sanitary survey following online reports of alleged dumping of human waste into drainage canals in some parts of the city.

The directive, issued in line with the city’s mandate to safeguard public health and environmental safety, covers reported incidents along Magallanes and Colon streets, as well as the Carbon Market area.

Archival said the City Health Department (CHD), together with the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) and Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), has been instructed to verify the extent of the issue and identify affected locations.

The CHD will conduct a full inventory and assessment of public and private comfort rooms in the area, including those in establishments, public facilities, and market-managed toilets. The evaluation will include accessibility, functionality, sanitation conditions, water supply, and waste disposal systems.

Authorities will also conduct interviews and surveys among vendors, workers, and business operators to determine if existing restroom facilities are adequate and accessible, and to identify factors contributing to improper waste disposal practices.

During a press conference on Monday, Archival confirmed reports that some establishments allegedly prohibit employees from using their comfort rooms.

“Nangayo sab ta og impormasyon sa area didto, tinuod gyud na nga naay establishments nga dili pagamiton ang ilang mga empleyado. Wala ta kahibawo ngano,” the mayor said.

“Dili sab sila kahibalo modispose, but daghan nagsulti nga naay mga establishments nga dili kuno magpagamit sa ilang mga empleyado. That is why ang ilang mga empleyado, mogamit og container unya at the end of the day, ilang ilabay somewhere the vicinity,” he added.

Archival also directed the City Legal Office to study possible sanctions against establishments found to be violating sanitation rules or failing to provide restroom access as required under existing regulations.

A compliance check will also be conducted to determine adherence to local health and sanitation ordinances. Establishments found with deficiencies may face appropriate corrective measures.

Archival has required CHD to submit a preliminary report within 15 days and a final report within 30 days, which will include findings, problem areas, and recommendations for long-term sanitation improvements and stricter enforcement of city ordinances.

The mayor warned that improper waste disposal could worsen flooding and pose serious public health risks, especially during heavy rains. — Jose Luis Flores, CTU-Tuburan Intern/MRM (FREEMAN)