The Bacolod City Council has officially approved multi-million peso contracts aimed at overhauling the city's solid waste management system, anticipating a major service upgrade.
New Consortium Takes Over Waste Management
During its session on Friday morning, January 2, 2026, the council ratified the service contracts for Bacolod's garbage collection, hauling, and disposal. The total project is valued at a substantial P327.9 million.
The agreements are between the City Government of Bacolod and a new joint venture hauler. This consortium is composed of three firms: International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists Inc. (I-Swims), D.C. Sandil Construction and Realty Development Inc., and San Igmedio Builders Incorporated.
Separately, the council also ratified a P109,000,800 contract for environmental and sanitary services. This specific contract covers the crucial operation and maintenance of the city's sanitary landfill located in Barangay Felisa.
Leadership Expects Swift Improvements
Councilor Caesar Distrito, the body's floor leader, confirmed that Mayor Greg Gasataya had already signed the contracts a day earlier, on January 1, 2026.
Distrito expressed high expectations for the new provider, highlighting the consortium's pledge to deploy 60 new garbage trucks and compactors. "We expect a total clean-up and a more responsive contractor," Distrito stated. He emphasized that this move directly addresses public complaints stemming from issues with the previous service provider.
The ratified contracts are set to run for the full calendar year, from January to December 2026.
Addressing the Holiday Backlog
With operations commencing, I-Swims, in coordination with the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (Benro), has projected confidence. They believe the significant garbage backlog accumulated during the holiday season can be drastically reduced within the coming week.
Mayor Gasataya assured residents that the city and the new contractor are implementing innovative measures to solve the weeklong waste pile-up left by the former hauler. "We are here looking for innovations and ways to solve our problems in the city," the mayor added.
The incoming service provider, I-Swims, brings experience from serving 18 local government units across the nation, with Bacolod City now joining its roster of clients.
