Cebu Councilor Demands Dumpsite Investigation Before Waste Solutions
In Cebu City, Councilor Joel Garganera has issued a strong appeal to authorities, urging them to prioritize the investigation and rehabilitation of the Binaliw dumpsite before proceeding with any waste management solutions, including waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities. This call comes amidst escalating opposition from local residents following a deadly trash slide that claimed 36 lives.
Resident Campaign and Anniversary of Tragedy
Garganera released this statement in response to a signature campaign initiated by residents of Barangay Binaliw, coinciding with the one-month anniversary of the tragedy on January 8, 2026. The residents are demanding the complete closure of the landfill and opposing plans to construct a WTE facility at the site.
He acknowledged the deep grief and fear within the community, noting that the wounds of the residents have not yet healed due to the disaster and the lack of clear responses from authorities. "We must focus on what needs to be prioritized. We need to concentrate on the investigation and rehabilitation of the dumpsite. Up to now, we have no clear results from the DENR," Garganera emphasized.
Crime Scene and Safety Concerns
Furthermore, he pointed out that the area is still considered a crime scene and must be secured to prevent another tragedy. He stressed the importance of conducting on-site inspections with all stakeholders to assess the true situation on the ground.
"I do not want to just dictate because I understand the people there. They were recently victims of a disaster that took 36 lives. But we cannot proceed blindly to the truth," he added.
Historical Complaints and Red Flags
Garganera reminded that community complaints against the dumpsite existed long before the trash slide, but were allegedly ignored by Prime Waste Solutions, the landfill operator. He noted that the Binaliw dumpsite was opened during the term of former Mayor Tommy Osmeña and mentioned there have been "red flags" and violations since as early as 2017.
He called for a comprehensive investigation, asserting that the City Council should not fear examining past decisions. While expressing sympathy for residents opposing WTE, Garganera clarified that the city cannot rely on dumpsites indefinitely. Without new technology, he warned, a similar tragedy could recur.
Alternatives and Behavioral Change
"If you do not agree with waste-to-energy, we will return to the dumpsite. What is the alternative? Shredding, recycling, and segregation can help, but they cannot eliminate the volume of our waste. We still need a final destination," he stated.
He also highlighted that any solution must be accompanied by changes in public behavior, particularly proper waste segregation at the barangay level. Garganera reiterated that rehabilitating Binaliw should take precedence over policy debates, with discussions on WTE only continuing once the site is declared safe and accountability issues are resolved.
