In response to the recent landslide at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, the neighboring cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have been forced to establish their own temporary garbage transfer stations. This emergency move aims to manage the waste collection crisis affecting multiple local government units.
Emergency Measures in Mandaue
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano announced that the city will temporarily use the Mandani Learning Park (MLP) in Barangay Umapad as a garbage holding area. Mayor Ouano stressed this is only a stopgap solution while the city searches for a more permanent alternative transfer site.
He explained that the closure of the Binaliw landfill, which could last from two weeks to several months, has impacted five areas: Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Consolacion, and Cordova. While other sites in Bogo City and Aloginsan have been offered, the mayor deemed them impractical due to distance and the potential for increased maintenance costs for the city's garbage trucks.
"We will only use this transfer station for about two weeks. After that, we really need to find another alternative because we want to protect the park," Ouano stated. He also appealed for public understanding as collection schedules have been altered. Barangays that previously made two or three trips to Binaliw are now limited to just one daily trip due to time constraints.
Lapu-Lapu Seeks DENR Approval
Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan has formally requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 to allow the reopening of a transfer station located at the materials recovery facility in Barangay Mactan.
In a statement, Mayor Chan said this step is crucial to resolving the city's garbage problem. Lapu-Lapu is among the hardest hit by the Binaliw tragedy, as it was the main dumpsite they relied upon for waste disposal.
A Regional Waste Disruption
The landslide at the Binaliw landfill has created a significant logistical challenge for Metro Cebu's waste management. The sudden closure has disrupted the normal flow for multiple cities and municipalities, forcing local executives to implement immediate, albeit temporary, solutions.
The situation highlights the region's vulnerability due to its dependence on a single major landfill. Both mayors have indicated that the search for viable, longer-term alternatives is now a critical priority, as the temporary measures at the park and the Mactan facility are not sustainable solutions.
