Gov Pam: Funding biggest hurdle in Cebu waste plan

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has admitted that fuCebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has admitted that funding remains the biggest challenge in the province’s push to establish integrated solid waste management facilities, despite already identifying possible sites in northern and southern Cebu.nding remains the biggest challenge in the province’s push to establish integrated solid waste management facilities, despite already identifying possible sites in northern and southern Cebu.

Baricuatro made the statement during her visit on Tuesday, May 26, to the Guun Co. Ltd. waste plastic recycling facility in Sitio Sun-ok, Barangay Tayud, Consolacion.

The governor said the Provincial Government plans to establish two integrated waste management facilities under its “Clean Cebu Campaign,” which aims to strengthen waste management and environmental sustainability initiatives across the province.

“One in the north and one in the south…location is not the problem. The problem is the funding,” Baricuatro said.

She added that Cebu continues to draw inspiration from Japan’s advanced waste management systems.

“I have visited Japan and was truly impressed by its level of waste management… That is why as we make the push towards a greener future, as part of the Provincial Government’s ‘Clean Cebu Campaign,’” the governor said.

“We do so with confidence and self-assurance. We do so without fear and hesitation because Japan is with us,” she added.

Earlier this year, Baricuatro led a provincial delegation to Yokohama, Japan, to study waste-to-energy technologies and observe the country’s long-established waste management practices.

The tour in Consolacion was attended by Japan Ministry of Environment Vice Minister for Global Environmental Affairs Kentaro Doi, who expressed Japan’s willingness to share its expertise with Cebu and the Philippines.

“For us in Japan, we struggled with these problems as well and we tried to work on solutions for the past 30 years. We are very happy to share our know-how and experience with you so that Cebu, as well as the Philippines, can speed up the process of solving the problem,” Doi said through an interpreter.

The Guun recycling facility processes around 50 to 75 tons of waste plastics and paper daily, converting them into “fluff fuel,” an alternative fuel used by cement manufacturers instead of coal.

Guun’s waste-to-energy technology has been recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Environment as a model for low-carbon technology innovation in developing countries such as the Philippines.

During discussions following the facility tour, stakeholders emphasized that Cebu’s long-term waste management strategy should go beyond a standard waste-to-energy facility.

Instead, they proposed the development of integrated “Green Transformation (GX) Parks” that would combine waste processing with other sustainable environmental systems.

Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III said that Danao City is willing to host the GX Park for northern Cebu.

Durano said the city government is prepared to provide at least one hectare of public land for the project.

For southern Cebu, Provincial Planning and Development Office representative Elizar Sabinay Jr. said the province is still searching for a suitable site.

Also present during the visit were Provincial Board Member Stanley Caminero, Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.

Toru Hashimoto, president of Yokohama consultancy group Y-Bridge, said the facilities may initially operate on a smaller scale before expanding based on Cebu’s future needs.

He also noted that additional studies are needed to determine whether two GX Parks would be sufficient to address Cebu’s waste management requirements.

Takeshi Konishi, Guun Co. Ltd. Philippine branch manager and executive managing director of SM Guun Environmental Company Inc., assured the Provincial Government of the company’s continued support.

Waste Segregation

Meanwhile, Archival has ordered the strict enforcement of garbage segregation across all nine floors of Cebu City Hall, emphasizing that discipline in waste management should begin within government offices.

“We met with Clever Master General Services to discuss the continued strengthening of cleanliness, maintenance, and waste management efforts within Cebu City Hall,” Archival said following a meeting with City Hall cleaners at the Mayor’s Conference Room.

He said the initiative aims to create a healthier and more organized workplace.

“Part sa among gihisgutan ang mas hugot nga implementation sa proper garbage segregation ug maintaining a clean, organized, ug conducive working environment alang sa mga empleyado ug sa katawhan nga naga-avail og serbisyo sa City Hall,” Archival explained.

The mayor stressed that proper waste disposal practices must be observed on every floor of City Hall.

“Padayon nato nga gina-paligon ang mga lakang nga makatabang sa mas limpyo ug mas maayong public service environment,” he added.

Under the directive, waste will be classified into four categories: biodegradable materials such as paper and cartons, non-biodegradable plastics, recyclable plastic bottles, and residual waste for composting and final disposal.

Each floor will be monitored, with staff required to record the weight of collected waste per category to ensure accountability.

Archival said the campaign is not only about maintaining cleanliness but also about protecting public health.

“Maintaining a clean and healthy city should start within City Hall,” he said, urging employees to practice proper waste disposal in their offices.

The move comes as Cebu City continues to grapple with mounting waste disposal concerns following the deadly trash slide at the Binaliw landfill. (CEBU NEWS)