New dump trucks strengthen Mandaue's waste collection fleet
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano announced the acquisition of three new high-capacity dump trucks on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as part of efforts to improve garbage collection services and reduce operating expenses. The 25-cubic-meter vehicles, valued at about P6.99 million each, replace previously ordered units that were returned after being found overpriced.
The City has faced equipment shortages since 2022 when several dump trucks suffered major mechanical problems. To keep garbage collection running, the City Government relied on vehicles provided by several barangays, including Opao, Banilad, Looc, Canduman, and Guizo.
Procurement review cuts purchase price by over P4 million per truck
Ouano said he halted a previous procurement deal after taking office and ordered a review before approving the purchase. “When I showed up, the check was already ready to be signed,” the mayor said. “But I had it investigated first to see if the pricing was correct and not overpriced.”
The review found that the City was set to pay P11 million for each dump truck under the earlier procurement plan. After the contract was canceled, the City purchased the new units for about P6.99 million each. “These are brand new, not refurbished,” Ouano said. “They have a bigger engine and a bigger capacity.”
Barangays carried the burden during equipment shortage
The arrival of the new vehicles is expected to ease the burden on barangays that helped maintain waste collection operations. “Imagine, the City Government was the one borrowing from the barangays,” Ouano said. He added that the City should now be in a better position to assist barangays when needed.
Dispute with Asian Energy Systems nears resolution
Meanwhile, the City is finalizing a compromise agreement with Asian Energy Systems Corp. in Consolacion to settle a legal dispute involving waste disposal services. Under the proposed agreement, the City will pay P9.3 million in principal obligations, removing interest charges, penalties, and legal fees connected to the case.
Ouano said resolving the dispute is part of the administration’s effort to improve the City’s financial position and reduce operating costs.
Tipping fees set to drop from P3,200 to P1,200 per ton
Once the agreement is completed, which Ouano said could happen next week, the City plans to stop using a third-party disposal provider that charges P3,200 per ton. Instead, the City Government will return to a direct arrangement with Asian Energy, reducing the tipping fee to P1,200 per ton. Officials said the lower rate is expected to generate significant savings for the City.
More trucks still needed for highly urbanized city
Despite the new acquisitions, Ouano said Mandaue still needs additional equipment to meet the demands of a highly urbanized city. He said the ideal fleet would consist of eight dump trucks. The three new units, together with the City’s existing vehicles, provide a starting point for rebuilding collection capacity. “Hopefully by next year, we can add three more,” Ouano said.
He credited Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and members of the City Council for supporting the procurement process. “If it weren’t for them, it would have taken us much longer to procure these new dump trucks,” he said.
