Time to revisit the garbage ordinance

There are few things belonging to the past that I still am proud of. First, the vinyl long-playing records which decades ago we called “plaka.” Every time friends visit me, especially now that the pandemic has tied me home, I play on my 1981 (and therefore old) Pioneer components the LP’s of lesser-known artists, John Gary, Ed Ames, Vic Damone and Eddie Fisher, alongside more popular vocalists Frank Sinatra, Engelbert Humperdinck, Andy Williams, and Matt Monro. The delight more than the amazement that registers on my visitors’ faces each time they hear the songs of these great crooners cultivates my pride.

Two of my Volkswagen Beetles (a 1300S limited edition and a 1303s Super VW) have been car show winners. But, the third, a 1200 cc 1970 model Bao which I drive to the farm often gets the gawking attention of people I pass by. I am happy with these vintage vehicles which are the second source of my pride.

The Cebu City ordinance establishing the system of garbage collection and disposal serves as the third object of my pride. When it was approved by the city council on July 11, 1988, as Ordinance No. 1295, it was as if i won a grueling debate that lasted many weeks. The fact that the city still uses it until today is likened to my kind of a precious gem that I have kept reverently in my family closet.

The mechanics of garbage collection, then written as Title IV in the ordinance as a novel concept, has withstood the proverbial test of time. This very chapter which concretizes the policy that waste disposal is a shared responsibility of the government and its citizenry is the backbone of our garbage collection. The system it then introduced establishes the nitty-gritty of how to collect the city’s trash. I recall the verbal challenge i faced when I sponsored this ordinance in the city council session. Of course the debate served to take out the perceived flaws. There were critical inputs given by colleague Vicente “Jun” Kintanar Jr., (he must be smiling now in heaven) as there were incisive thoughts provided by Dr. Pureza Onate. Admittedly, without their opinions, the ordinance would not have been better crafted.

Whether we like it or not, this piece of local legislation is now 33 years old. It may still be quite functional as it seems to continue serving the city well, but like my vinyls, components and Beetles, the ordinance is vintage. Two weeks ago, Arnold Opone changed the brake master of my 1300s and yesterday Gibson Redelosa fixed the speedometer and fuel gauge of my farm Beetle. On Saturday, technician Elizar Morcada will replace the cartridge of my Pioneer turntable because its diamond needle is already worn.

My point is that time has come to revisit this ordinance. I am certain that there were concerns on waste collection and disposal that were unknown to us three decades ago when i authored it. For one, the need for the city to establish its own modern landfill has been highlighted in the past few days. We overlooked it then. Really, if the honorable members of the present city council deem it needful to repeal this local statute entirely and consign it to the relics of the past together with my name, I will be elated that better concepts have finally shaped. Whatever direction the city leadership takes is most crucial and it has to be done, now!