No human urine disposal on city streets, says CHD

CEBU, Philippines — Inspections by the Cebu City Health Department (CHD) found no significant findings connected to the allegation of human urine being disposed of into public drainage along Colon Street and Carbon Market, though sanitation deficiencies remain evident in the area.

The probe was ordered by Mayor Nestor Archival after a viral social media post alleged buckets of urine were being poured into a drainage canal near Colon.

In its report, CHD, led by Dr. Daisy Villa, documented 66 establishments inspected along Colon Street, with 60 functional comfort rooms, five shared facilities, and four clogged.

At Carbon Market, inspectors noted troubling conditions: “some stalls are being utilized as sleeping quarters,” alongside “incidents of open defecation by nearby residents, presence of rats, [and] heavy flooding during the rainy season.”

A complaint investigation recorded one individual urinating beside Colon Street drainage, suspected to be mentally incapacitated.

Establishments clarified that water discharged into drainage came from air conditioning units and floor cleaning.

A third inspection confirmed that drainage and toilet facilities were in good condition.

“It could also be possible that the establishment has corrected the violation, if any, prior to the conduct of investigation,” CHD’s report noted.

The CHD’s sanitation inspection team also emphasized that the findings were “partial and initial in nature” and required further validation, monitoring, and comprehensive assessment.

The report was endorsed to the Business Permit and Licensing Office, with copies furnished to the Mayor’s Office and City Administrator for policy action.

Meanwhile, Archival held meetings with representatives of international networks and private innovators to discuss waste management solutions, following the deadly collapse of the Binaliw landfill and soaring disposal costs in the city.

The mayor met online with representatives of C40 Cities, a global network of nearly 100 municipalities committed to climate action, to explore strategies for waste management, water security, and sustainable urban development yesterday.

“Good solutions start with good conversations,” Archival said, stressing that Cebu must learn from successful models abroad to prepare for future challenges.

The meeting followed his engagement with Nature’s Legacy, led by Pete Delantar, Allan Reyes, and Johai Hayashi, who presented Japanese technology designed to make waste management more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Archival welcomed the proposals, saying Cebu City remains open to partnerships that support his vision of a “Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Cebu City.” — MRM (CEBU NEWS)