Mandaue City has been forced to implement an emergency measure for its mounting garbage problem. The city is now temporarily using the Mandani Learning Park (MLP) in Barangay Umapad as a transfer station for waste.
Emergency Response to Landfill Closure
This drastic step comes as a direct result of the continued closure of the Barangay Binaliw landfill in neighboring Cebu City. Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano confirmed that the Umapad site is only a stopgap solution while the city government searches for other viable long-term alternatives for garbage disposal.
The mayor revealed that the Binaliw landfill has not reopened and may remain closed for at least two to three weeks, possibly extending to several months. This closure has created a crisis for five local government units that previously relied on the facility: Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Consolacion, and Cordova.
Challenges in Finding Alternatives
Mayor Ouano explained that while several alternative disposal sites have been offered—including locations in Bogo City and Aloguinsan—they have been deemed impractical. The primary issues are the considerable distance and the poor condition of some of the city's garbage trucks.
"These areas are too far. Some of our dump trucks and garbage trucks are not in good condition, and sending them that far would significantly increase maintenance costs," Ouano stated. He emphasized that the city intends to use the Mandani Learning Park transfer station for only about two weeks to avoid prolonged dumping that could damage the park.
"We are only looking at using the transfer station for around two weeks. After that, we really need to find another alternative because we want to preserve the park, and I do not want garbage being dumped there for a long time," the mayor stressed.
Impact on Collection and Public Appeal
The current situation has already disrupted normal garbage collection schedules. Barangays that previously made two to three daily trips to Binaliw are now limited to just one trip due to time and logistical constraints.
Mayor Ouano appealed for public understanding, acknowledging that disruptions are inevitable. "This is not a normal situation. There may be instances when garbage is not collected immediately because of what is happening now," he said.
He assured residents that daily collection efforts continue and that the city government is actively pursuing feasible alternatives. Ouano also noted that based on social media reports, Cebu City has not yet resumed dumping waste at the Asian Energy facility, making Mandaue's temporary site a critical necessity.
The mayor concluded by reaffirming the city's commitment to finding a permanent solution, stating, "We are still finding ways and continuing to look for solutions."
