Binaliw Residents Rally Against Waste-to-Energy Facility in Wake of Landfill Tragedy
In a powerful display of community activism, residents of Barangay Binaliw in Cebu City have launched a signature campaign to oppose any proposals for a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in their area. This initiative comes exactly one month after a devastating trash slide at the landfill managed by Prime Waste Solutions (PWS), which tragically claimed 36 lives. The petition, directed at Barangay Captain Vivian Ruste, Mayor Nestor Archival, the Cebu City Council, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), underscores deep-seated fears and concerns among the local populace.
Growing Opposition to Waste Infrastructure Expansion
The campaign was sparked by recent statements from Barangay Captain Vivian Ruste, who indicated openness to hosting a WTE facility under certain conditions. This was further fueled by suggestions from Councilor Pastor Alcover regarding the potential construction of such a facility at the Binaliw landfill. In their petition, residents argue that Barangay Binaliw has already endured more than its fair share of waste-related disasters and environmental hazards. They emphasize that the community should not be treated as a sacrifice zone for Cebu City's mounting waste management challenges.
Instead of supporting new and potentially hazardous waste infrastructure, the residents are calling for the immediate closure and thorough investigation of the existing PWS landfill. They advocate for accountability from the operators and a shift away from expanding waste facilities in their barangay.
Key Demands Outlined in the Petition
The petition includes several critical demands aimed at protecting the environment and public health:
- Support for the closure, rehabilitation, and investigation of the PWS landfill to address past negligence and prevent future tragedies.
- Advocacy for the full and strict implementation of Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, to ensure proper waste handling practices.
- Promotion of zero-waste strategies and non-incineration alternatives that safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the natural environment without resorting to burning waste.
These points reflect a broader push for sustainable solutions that prioritize community well-being over industrial waste management projects.
Community Mobilization and Broader Support
The signature campaign began in Sitio Santa Ana and Binaliw Uno Proper, with former barangay councilor Daisy Ybañez noting significant grassroots involvement. In an interview on DYRF's The Ayuman Files program, Ybañez revealed that residents from neighboring barangays, such as Agsungot and Panoypoy in Consolacion, have also expressed interest in signing the petition. As of Sunday afternoon, over one hundred signatures had already been collected, demonstrating widespread local concern.
This is not the first time WTE facilities have faced opposition in Cebu. A similar proposal by NewSky Energy Philippines for Barangay Guba was withdrawn in November 2025 due to intense public backlash over pollution risks, health concerns, and unsuitable location. Residents in Binaliw echo these worries, stating that their community, having already suffered environmental burdens, cannot accept additional risks from such projects.
Ongoing Developments and Official Response
Discussions around WTE facilities in Cebu have been ongoing since at least 2022, but progress has stalled amid public resistance. SunStar Cebu attempted to gather comments from Barangay Captain Vivian Ruste regarding the new petition, but no official statement was provided at the time of reporting. The lack of response highlights the tension between local government initiatives and community-driven environmental advocacy.
As the signature campaign gains momentum, it underscores a critical juncture in Cebu City's waste management policies, where resident voices are increasingly shaping the dialogue on sustainable and safe environmental practices.
