Mandaue Neighborhood Plagued by Illegal Waste Dumping
Residents of Zone 5 in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City, are demanding urgent action after enduring more than a week of illegal garbage dumping in their community. The situation, described as unbearable, has prompted anonymous pleas to city officials for intervention.
Unbearable Odor and Health Concerns
In a letter sent two days ago, residents reported that dump trucks have been unloading large amounts of trash in their area, which is not a designated dump site. They were informed that the garbage originated from cleanup operations following recent flooding at a mall in Consolacion, Cebu.
The foul odor from the waste has become overwhelming, with residents noting a significant increase in flies. The stench seeps into homes even with windows and doors shut, raising serious health concerns, particularly for children and the elderly.
"We have already reported this issue to MCENRO and Mandaue City Hall, but we have not received any response," the residents stated. They respectfully asked for immediate action to stop the dumping and remove the garbage, while also requesting anonymity for their safety.
City Officials Respond to Complaint
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano confirmed he was informed about the situation two days ago and immediately instructed the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO) to investigate and verify if the garbage indeed came from Consolacion. However, the mayor noted he had not yet received any updates from the office.
Meanwhile, City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo "Sally" Malig-on provided more concrete information, confirming the dumping occurred and identifying the responsible party. Contractor and barangay councilor Wilmer Zanoria was named as the individual involved in hauling the garbage.
"It is true. Wilmer Zanoria, the contractor handling the waste, was responsible for the garbage disposal," Malig-on stated. He added that the dumping has already been stopped and that MCENRO visited the site on November 17, 2025. A technical conference will be scheduled to address the issue comprehensively.
Ongoing Struggle for Residents
A concerned resident who witnessed the situation shared that the problem had been ongoing for several weeks, with the odor becoming especially strong at night. As of now, residents are still waiting for the complete removal of the garbage and for the city government to implement sustained measures to prevent further illegal dumping in their community.
The community's call for action highlights ongoing challenges in waste management and environmental enforcement in Mandaue City, as they await a permanent solution to protect their health and neighborhood.
