Rescue teams are continuing their search for missing persons after a devastating landslide hit a dumpsite at a workers' waste facility in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The incident has forced a complete halt to dumping operations at the critical landfill.
Proposed Interim Solution at SRP
In response to the crisis, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera has put forward a potential temporary fix. He is looking at the Department of Public Services (DPS) office located at the South Road Properties (SRP) as a possible transfer station for the city's garbage.
Garganera was quick to clarify that this is merely a suggestion at this stage. "Suggestion pa lang ni siya. Wala pa'y final decision gikan sa city admin," the councilor stated in an interview on Friday, January 9. The proposal has not yet received official approval or implementation from the city administration.
City-Wide Garbage Collection Disrupted
The suspension of operations at the Binaliw landfill has caused immediate and severe disruption to Cebu City's waste management system. Collection trucks were unable to unload their cargo on Thursday, leading to a backlog.
With numerous garbage trucks now filled to capacity, Councilor Garganera made a direct appeal to the public. He requested that residents temporarily refrain from placing their trash outside for collection, as crews will not be able to pick it up.
The disruption occurred overnight, throwing regular collection schedules into disarray. City authorities are actively assessing interim measures while the situation at the landslide-stricken Binaliw landfill continues to develop.
Ongoing Operations and Broader Impact
The primary focus remains on the ongoing rescue operations at the Binaliw site, where authorities are searching for individuals reported missing after the collapse. The tragic event has already claimed the life of one worker.
The timing of the disaster poses an additional challenge for the city, with the major Sinulog Festival approaching. The city government is now tasked with coordinating with stakeholders in Binaliw to address the landfill crisis while preparing for the influx of festival activities.
