In a significant move to enhance environmental stewardship, all barangays, cities, and municipalities across Cebu are now required to monitor and publicly disclose their data on cleanliness and waste management. This directive comes under Executive Order No. 3, Series of 2026, which was formally signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
Objectives of the Executive Order
This executive order aims to combat indiscriminate dumping of waste, improve overall sanitation standards, and reduce the province's reliance on landfills. By implementing this framework, the provincial government has officially adopted the Provincial Cleanliness and Waste Management Plan. Additionally, it has established the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board to enforce a comprehensive system focused on waste reduction, segregation, recycling, and composting. The plan includes clear benchmarks and mandates regular public reporting to ensure accountability.
Immediate Actions and Short-Term Goals
Under this order, local government units must set up and consistently update their Public Cleanliness and Waste Management Dashboards. These dashboards, whether digital or physical, will display key metrics such as the volume of waste collected, compliance rates with waste segregation protocols, quantities of materials recycled, and cleanliness ratings for beaches, ports, and public markets.
In the short term, spanning six to twelve months, the province targets visible reductions in waste accumulation along major roads, public markets, farmlands, coastal areas, and primary tourism zones. Furthermore, mandatory waste segregation will be enforced in all local government offices and facilities, supported by ensuring that local cleanliness task forces are fully operational and effective.
Medium to Long-Term Vision
Looking ahead, with a medium to long-term plan covering three to five years, the program aspires to completely eliminate waste pile-ups, enhance public health indicators, and position Cebu as a clean and responsible province ready to welcome tourists. Each household is recognized as a frontline player in waste management and is encouraged to practice waste segregation and home composting.
Roles and Responsibilities Across Sectors
Business establishments are required to adhere to waste minimization strategies and regulations concerning single-use plastics. Educational institutions are mandated to integrate environmental education into their curricula and organize regular cleanup drives. For tourism-related entities, including hotels, resorts, and ports, compliance with cleanliness standards is compulsory, along with undergoing regular sanitation audits conducted by provincial authorities.
Governance and Leadership
The Provincial Solid Waste Management Board will be chaired by Governor Baricuatro or her designated representative, with Provincial Administrator Joseph Felix Mari H. Durano serving as vice chairperson. All mayors and heads of provincial departments will serve as board members, ensuring a collaborative approach to implementation.
According to Governor Baricuatro, this plan is designed to institutionalize a data-based, transparent, and participatory system. The ultimate goal is to improve public health and elevate the overall quality of life for all residents across the province.
