Cebu City Mayor Announces Supplemental Budget to Address Rising Garbage Costs
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival assured residents on Monday, March 9, 2026, that the local government will create a supplemental budget to cover escalating garbage hauling expenses. He emphasized that this financial measure will not impact funding for existing government programs, providing reassurance amid concerns over potential cuts.
Preparing for Higher Operational Expenses
Archival revealed that the city is actively preparing extra funds to address the surge in garbage costs. Officials are currently examining various budget items to identify sources for the additional money. The mayor stated that the city still possesses sufficient resources to manage the situation effectively.
The annual waste budget for Cebu City was previously set at P500 million. However, Archival projected that this amount could increase to between P1 billion and P2 billion due to rising operational costs. He attributed the financial strain primarily to higher fuel prices and the extended hauling distance to the disposal site.
Impact of Distant Landfill and Councilor's Concerns
Currently, Cebu City transports its garbage to a private landfill located in Aloguinsan, approximately 61 kilometers away. This longer distance results in increased fuel consumption and higher overall expenses. The announcement from Mayor Archival came in response to warnings raised by City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who expressed fears that ongoing waste cost increases might lead to reductions in some city programs.
Tumulak had previously highlighted concerns regarding the city's garbage crisis, noting the significant financial burden imposed by hauling waste to remote locations. In his statement, Archival reiterated the city's commitment to covering the additional costs without compromising essential services.
Supplemental Budget Process and Funding Sources
Archival detailed the process for implementing the supplemental budget, stating, "We are now preparing and requesting a supplemental budget. If this is completed within the week, we will submit it to the City Council and convene the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for documentation before it is endorsed."
To curb costs, the city may utilize unused funds from past budgets, including old disaster funds. The budget and accounting offices are tasked with identifying available financial resources. Additionally, the local government is intensifying efforts to divert waste as a cost-saving strategy.
Waste Diversion Initiatives and Legal Compliance
Archival pointed to Republic Act 9003, which mandates that only about 10 percent of total waste should be directed to landfills. The law requires communities to focus on recycling, composting, and waste reduction practices. The mayor estimated that continuing to dump waste in Aloguinsan could cost the city around P1 billion annually, excluding additional fuel expenses.
In response, Cebu City has enhanced its waste diversion plans, with a particular focus on biodegradable waste, which constitutes approximately 60 percent of the city's garbage. Initiatives include separating biodegradable waste at the Carbon Public Market, where workers process 12 to 15 tons daily instead of sending it to landfills.
The city also plans to collect sorted waste from barangays, primarily accepting biodegradable materials for processing. Furthermore, a shredding area has been established at the South Road Properties to handle biodegradable waste. These measures aim to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and lower overall garbage management costs for Cebu City.
