Residents of Barangay Polog in the municipality of Consolacion, Cebu, have publicly aired their frustrations over severe traffic jams and persistent foul odors linked to garbage trucks heading to a local landfill. The complaints were formally presented during a public hearing held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Polog gymnasium.
Community Grievances Take Center Stage
During the hearing, locals described how trucks from the Cebu City government and private waste haulers regularly congest their barangay roads. The long queues of vehicles waiting to enter the Asian Energy Systems Corporation (AESC) landfill not only cause significant traffic bottlenecks but also emit a strong stench of rotting waste, severely affecting daily life.
Barangay Council Takes a Stand
This public forum was convened following an official statement from the Barangay Polog Council barring the disposal of waste from other towns into the landfill located within their jurisdiction. In their declaration, the council emphasized their primary duty to protect public safety, health, and environmental welfare. They cited incidents at landfills in other areas as clear examples of the risks associated with improper waste disposal.
Landfill Response and Ongoing Dispute
Representatives from the AESC landfill present at the hearing stated their facility is ready to accept garbage trucks without delay once they arrive. However, they attributed the long lines to inspections and checks conducted by the Cebu City Department of Public Services (DPS) before trucks are allowed entry into the landfill site.
Despite this explanation, residents insisted that the congestion and odor remain unresolved problems that continuously disrupt their community. Barangay officials confirmed that the concerns raised during the hearing will be forwarded to the relevant agencies. Discussions on waste management policies and the landfill's impact on the community are ongoing as stakeholders seek a viable solution.
