Cebu City is moving towards declaring a state of calamity as it grapples with a severe garbage crisis and mounting public safety threats. This critical step comes in the wake of a major landfill collapse and a separate fire incident that have stretched the city's disaster response capabilities.
Disasters Prompt Drastic Measure
The push for the declaration is led by Councilor Dave Tumulak, who heads the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC). Tumulak confirmed he will formally propose the measure on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The move is a direct response to the compounding emergencies that have disrupted normal life in the city.
The situation began with the catastrophic collapse of the Binaliw landfill on January 8, 2026. This event triggered a dual crisis: a halt in efficient waste disposal and dangerous conditions requiring ongoing search and retrieval operations at the site. The crisis deepened when a fire broke out in Barangay Tejero on January 10, 2026, further straining emergency resources.
Compounding Crises: Garbage, Health, and Safety
The city's garbage crisis has been exacerbated by regulatory action. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a 30-day cease-and-desist order for operations in Barangay Binaliw. This order severely limits where the city can dispose of its waste, creating a massive logistical and sanitary challenge.
Councilor Tumulak emphasized that the proposed state of calamity is not solely about waste management. He cited ongoing health hazards in the affected areas as a primary concern. The combination of unstable landfill terrain, potential contamination, and the aftermath of the fire creates significant risks for residents' well-being and public safety.
Aim of the Calamity Declaration
The declaration of a state of calamity is a legal tool that unlocks several emergency measures for local governments. For Cebu City, this initiative aims to comprehensively address the triple threat it faces:
- Address garbage disposal limitations caused by the DENR order and the landfill collapse.
- Mitigate potential health hazards in communities near the disaster sites.
- Support continued search and retrieval operations at the Binaliw landfill collapse site.
This official status would enable the faster allocation of special funds, easier procurement of relief goods and equipment, and the potential to control prices of basic necessities, providing a structured framework for the city's recovery efforts.
