Cebu City officials are in urgent talks with local stakeholders following a significant garbage collapse at the Binaliw dumpsite. Mayor Nestor Archival stated that the City Government is determining its next course of action, a decision made more pressing by the imminent Sinulog festivities which are expected to generate a large surge in waste volume.
Public Safety and Stakeholder Consultation Paramount
Mayor Archival emphasized that the city will prioritize the input of residents and personnel directly impacted by the incident before deciding on the future of operations at the site. The primary question is whether it is safe to continue using the facility.
"For now, we are asking the people on the ground. That is what we are looking at," Archival explained. He made it clear that if the assessment concludes the site is unsafe, operations will be halted immediately, forcing the city to seek alternative waste disposal solutions.
Sinulog Celebration Adds Pressure to Waste Crisis
The timing of the incident is critical. The city is bracing for a major increase in garbage generation as hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists are expected for the Sinulog celebration. This annual event significantly strains the city's waste management systems even under normal circumstances.
Archival noted that recommendations from the on-site assessment team were expected within hours of his statement on Thursday night. These findings will guide the city's immediate response.
Immediate Focus on Waste Reduction and Diversion
While awaiting the final assessment, the city is proactively working to lessen the burden on its landfill. The immediate strategy focuses on stricter waste segregation and boosting recycling efforts.
"Through segregation, we are able to recycle around 20 to 30 percent of our waste daily," Archival said. The city is also diverting biodegradable waste and exploring temporary locations for garbage storage as it evaluates both short-term and long-term solutions to this public safety and environmental challenge.
The Cebu City Government continues to walk a tightrope, balancing the urgent demands of public health and safety with the relentless need for effective waste management, especially with a major festival on the horizon.
