Families in Cebu are enduring an agonizing wait as rescue teams push forward with non-stop operations to find workers trapped after a devastating landslide at the Binaliw landfill. The incident, which occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, has prompted urgent calls from the business sector for systemic reforms in waste management.
Chamber Voices Concern, Praises Rescue Effort
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) issued a formal statement on January 9, 2026, expressing profound concern over the landslide. The chamber extended its sympathies to the affected workers, their anxious families, and the surrounding communities impacted by the disaster.
In its release, the CCCI commended the swift and coordinated response of multiple agencies. These include the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Philippine Red Cross, the Emergency Response Unit Foundation, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, all of whom are involved in the ongoing retrieval and recovery missions at the site.
Urgent Call for Systemic Review and Business Action
The chamber used the tragic event to call on authorities and all stakeholders to conduct an immediate and thorough assessment of the environmental, safety, and public health risks associated with current waste disposal practices. The CCCI emphasized that stronger safeguards are imperative to prevent a repeat of such a disaster.
Furthermore, the business group challenged its members and the wider corporate community to elevate their own waste management practices. Key recommendations include:
- Strict adherence to proper waste segregation and recycling protocols.
- Implementing safe storage procedures and focusing on waste reduction at the source.
- Engaging with local communities and supporting safety and relief initiatives.
- Ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations and collaborating closely with government and environmental groups.
Building a Safer and More Resilient Cebu
The CCCI framed these actions as critical not just for environmental protection, but for long-term business sustainability. "These collective actions are vital to preventing future incidents, protecting lives and ecosystems, reducing operational risks and ensuring the long-term resilience of business operations," the chamber stated.
It pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to provide guidance to its members on sustainable initiatives and responsible business practices. The ultimate goal, as stated by the chamber, is to contribute to the building of a safer and more resilient Cebu in the wake of the Binaliw tragedy.
