Aloguinsan Municipality Proposes to Host Mandaue City's Garbage Disposal
The Municipality of Aloguinsan in southern Cebu has formally submitted a proposal to serve as a potential garbage disposal site for Mandaue City. This initiative comes as local officials intensify their search for a long-term, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable solution to the city's pressing waste management challenges.
Mayor Moreno Presents Proposal to Mandaue Officials
Aloguinsan Mayor Caesar Ignatius "Ig-Ig" Moreno personally presented the proposal to Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano. Mayor Moreno expressed his municipality's openness to accepting Mandaue's waste, highlighting a collaborative approach to addressing regional environmental issues. In response, Mayor Ouano stated that Mandaue City is willing to receive and thoroughly review the proposal as it continues to explore alternative waste disposal options that prioritize both community welfare and environmental protection.
Multiple Waste Management Options Under Consideration
Mayor Ouano revealed that Mandaue City has received several invitations related to garbage disposal and waste management. One notable invitation came from Naga City Mayor Val Chiong, who invited Mandaue officials to visit a waste-to-energy plant in Naga City, Cebu. "We were invited to look at their waste-to-energy facility in Naga City. Some of our city councilors joined us, and we are seriously considering this option," Ouano said.
He added that Mandaue City has identified a possible site at the Mandaue Green Learning Park (MGLP) for constructing a waste-to-energy plant, which would require only about 1.5 hectares of land. "We are considering all these options and studying what would be the best solution for the City of Mandaue," the mayor emphasized.
Strict Waste Segregation to Reduce Costs
Mayor Ouano stressed the critical importance of implementing strict waste segregation at the barangay level to help reduce operational costs. He informed barangay officials on January 20 that the City will rigorously enforce waste segregation protocols to make hauling more efficient. "If our waste is properly segregated when collected from the Mandaue Green Learning Park, and then transferred to Asian Energy in the Municipality of Consolacion, the cost for the city will be much lower," he explained.
According to Ouano, Mandaue City is currently grappling with high expenses in waste management. He disclosed that the tipping fee alone reaches approximately P65 million annually, while a three-month hauling contract costs around P68 million. "These costs are very difficult for the city. We want to cut expenses, but at the same time, we are looking for a long-term solution," he stated.
Incentives and Sanctions for Barangay Compliance
The mayor indicated that the City is considering providing incentives to barangays that strictly adhere to waste segregation rules. He added that potential sanctions are also being discussed, although the City prefers not to implement them. "We do not want to impose sanctions, such as not collecting garbage, because that would affect the residents. However, it would also be unfair to barangays that are following the rules if others do not comply," Ouano remarked.
He noted that barangay leaders were generally cooperative during the discussions, and the City is expected to announce its final decision on incentives or sanctions after further deliberation with its core team next week.
Other Disposal Sites and Current Operations
Mayor Ouano mentioned that other disposal sites, including Bogo City, are under consideration, though he clarified that details regarding ownership and operations of the sanitary landfill there have not yet been confirmed. "For now, the best option we see is Asian Energy in Consolacion," he said, noting that Mandaue City cannot directly dump waste at the facility and must still rely on a private hauler.
He added that utilizing a nearer disposal site could help reduce fuel costs and minimize wear on garbage trucks, particularly during the rainy season when roads leading to distant landfills can become hazardous.
Meanwhile, Mandaue City continues to use a temporary garbage disposal site in Barangay Umapad following the tragic garbage landslide in Barangay Binaliw, which resulted in 36 fatalities. Also present during the meeting with Aloguinsan officials were City Administrator Sally Malig-on, Jr. and several representatives from the Municipality of Aloguinsan.
