In a significant development for waste management in the region, Governor Pamela Baricuatro has officially designated two localities in Cebu Province as temporary transfer sites for garbage from Cebu City. This announcement was made on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, addressing the urgent need for alternative disposal solutions following recent closures and inspections.
Aloguinsan and Toledo Step Up as Temporary Solutions
Governor Baricuatro revealed that Aloguinsan Mayor Cesare Ignatius “Ig-Ig” Moreno personally offered assistance in response to Cebu City's request. According to Baricuatro, a property in Binaliw will serve as an interim transfer site before waste is transported to Aloguinsan. This move comes as the San Rafael Sanitary Landfill in Aloguinsan is being prepared to function as a temporary disposal site, pending further assessments and approvals.
Prioritizing Collection from Affected Areas
Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano clarified that the initial focus will be on collecting waste from provincial government properties impacted by the closure of the Binaliw landfill. This collection will proceed in a scheduled manner, with an estimated target of up to 100 cubic meters of garbage per delivery. This systematic approach aims to manage the transition smoothly and minimize environmental disruptions.
Waste-to-Energy Facility Awaits Approval
In parallel, Aloguinsan is installing a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility, which is currently awaiting approval from key government agencies. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are reviewing the project, which holds promise for addressing the growing waste problem in Cebu. If properly implemented, the WTE facility could generate alternative energy for local use, contributing to sustainable development goals.
Toledo Prepares as Secondary Site
Additionally, the City Government of Toledo is being prepared as a secondary location for waste transfer. Governor Baricuatro indicated that preparations in Toledo are expected to be completed by April, ensuring a backup option to handle the waste load effectively. This multi-site strategy underscores the province's proactive measures to tackle waste management challenges head-on.
Broader Context and National Inspections
This local initiative aligns with broader national efforts, as the DENR has mandated a nationwide review and inspection of all operating sanitary landfills. This directive follows a recent tragedy that claimed numerous lives in a city, highlighting the critical need for improved waste management practices and safety standards across the country.
The temporary designation of Aloguinsan and Toledo as waste transfer sites represents a crucial step in mitigating Cebu's waste crisis, with the potential WTE facility offering a long-term solution for energy generation and environmental sustainability.
