Search and retrieval efforts are ongoing at the site of a devastating landslide that hit the Binaliw landfill facility in Cebu City on January 10, 2026. The tragedy has prompted neighboring local governments to assess their responsibility and the future of regional waste disposal.
Mandaue City Extends Aid, Acknowledges Shared Responsibility
The Mandaue City Council is preparing to pass a resolution expressing condolences and exploring financial assistance for the families of workers who died or were injured in the incident. Councilor Carlo Fortuna, who heads the Committee on Foreign and Domestic Relations, stated that the Council recognizes the victims as part of Mandaue's responsibility since the city's garbage is disposed of at the Binaliw site.
"Yes, we will pass a resolution extending condolences and financial assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured in the landfill in Barangay Binaliw," Fortuna confirmed. He emphasized that affected workers, including Mandaue City residents employed at the landfill, are integral to the city's waste management system.
Fortuna said discussions have been held with Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano regarding possible aid, especially for Mandaue residents working at the facility. The mayor indicated the matter would be reviewed by the City Council to determine what assistance can be legally provided.
Questions Raised Over Landfill Safety and Sustainability
The councilor, a former vice mayor, recalled that when the Binaliw landfill was approved during his earlier terms, the agreement with operator Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. stipulated the site would remain flat. "But based on what we see in the videos now, it looks like a mountain," Fortuna observed. "The volume of waste being disposed of there is huge."
This dramatic change has raised serious concerns about the facility's sustainability and its capacity to handle waste from Mandaue City and other local government units. The incident has forced a urgent reevaluation of the region's long-term waste strategy.
Call for Systemic Review and Alternative Solutions
In response to the crisis, the Council will also pass a resolution requesting the City Planning Office and the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office to submit any existing plans that could improve or augment the city's waste management system.
"This incident should give us the opportunity to study and prepare," Fortuna urged. He warned that the city must be ready with alternatives if the landfill is closed, suggesting a revisit of proposals like waste-to-energy technology to manage Mandaue's garbage.
Fortuna concluded by reaffirming the city's commitment to all affected Mandaue residents, noting the workers were serving the city through their roles. "If not for Mandaue, they would not have had jobs there. They are part of the waste management system workforce," he said.
