Cebu City Councilor Demands Clarity on Binaliw Landfill Reopening

Councilor Joel Garganera has called out Mayor Nestor Archival for inconsistent statements on reopening the Binaliw landfill, which was partially reopened months after a deadly trash slide killed 36 people. He's asking if the mayor still wants to know the full results of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' investigation. The city's struggle to manage its waste has grown more complicated. The contracted dumping allocation in Aloguinsan is exhausted, forcing the city to temporarily stockpile garbage at the South Road Properties (SRP) despite environmental concerns and legal questions. Garganera criticizes the lack of transparency and the City Council's exclusion from key developments involving the landfill.

He doesn't think they should be left out of these decisions.

The Binaliw landfill tragedy occurred on January 8, resulting in the loss of 36 lives. This incident led to widespread criticism of the city's waste management system. The city government is under pressure to find a solution to the garbage crisis. They can't afford to wait any longer. Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña highlighted the severe financial pressure facing Cebu City, with garbage hauling costs to Aloguinsan reaching ₱3,000 per ton.

This amounts to ₱1.8 million daily for 600 tons of garbage. The city's finances are a major concern.

Background on the Issue

The Binaliw landfill tragedy was a devastating event. It occurred on January 8, resulting in the loss of 36 lives. The incident led to widespread criticism of the city's waste management system. The city government has been under pressure to find a solution to the garbage crisis. They're struggling to manage their waste. Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña emphasized the need for a solution. He's worried about the city's finances. Garbage hauling costs are a significant burden.

The Search for Alternative Solutions

Osmeña asked the council for a 60-day window to explore alternative waste solutions. He revealed that the Land Bank of the Philippines had approved a ₱360-million term loan for a waste and materials recovery facility in the North Reclamation Area. This proposed project includes the installation of two advanced waste-processing machines and related facilities. It's aiming for a tipping fee of zero. However, the city needs to validate whether the proposed facility can process Cebu City's entire daily garbage volume.

They can't move forward without this information. The city's garbage problem is a complex issue. It requires a thorough solution.

Concerns Over SRP and Binaliw

Garganera warned against turning the SRP property into another open dumpsite. He proposed a motion for the mayor to cease and desist from operating the SRP staging area as an open dumpsite. After discussions, the motion was modified. It now expresses great concern over the continued use of SRP due to its legal, health, and environmental implications. The revised motion asks the mayor to submit a transition plan within 30 days to stop using SRP as a garbage holding area.

Garganera doesn't want to see the SRP property misused. He's pushing for a better solution.

Future Steps

The city faces a full-blown crisis that demands data-driven and transparent decisions. Garganera stressed that any transition back to Binaliw or toward another disposal system must remain capable and safe. The councilor criticized Cebu City's dependence on temporary fixes instead of permanent waste infrastructure. He's supporting waste-to-energy projects and broader waste diversion systems. The city can't keep relying on temporary solutions. It's time for a permanent fix.

The Binaliw tragedy should have forced the city government to reassess its entire waste management system, Garganera said. They shouldn't have waited this long to take action. It's time for a change.