Mandaue City Mayor Advocates for Regional Collaboration on Waste Management Crisis
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has issued a compelling call for enhanced coordination among local government units (LGUs) throughout Metro Cebu to confront the escalating and persistent challenges in waste management. He stressed that no single municipality can independently resolve this complex issue, highlighting the necessity for a unified regional approach.
Environmental Summit Highlights Daily Struggles and Financial Burdens
During an environmental summit organized by the Provincial Government of Cebu at the Marco Polo Hotel on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Mayor Ouano detailed the daily burdens faced by local administrations. He described waste management as one of the most pressing yet frequently overlooked problems confronting urban centers.
“Waste management is something we deal with every single day. It may not always dominate public discourse, but for those of us in local government, this represents one of the most tangible and constant challenges we encounter,” Ouano stated emphatically.
In Mandaue City alone, authorities process approximately 318 tons of waste daily. The mayor revealed that hauling expenses have skyrocketed following a devastating landslide in Barangay Binaliw, which has effectively tripled the city’s operational costs.
“Currently, we are managing around 318 tons each day, and after the Binaliw landslide incident, our hauling expenditures have increased threefold,” he added, underscoring the financial strain on municipal resources.
Progress Amid Challenges and a Shift Toward Sustainable Solutions
Despite these formidable obstacles, Mayor Ouano reported that Mandaue City has achieved significant progress since the closure of its primary dumpsite in 2016. Through the implementation of the innovative Solid Waste Diversion Program, the city has successfully recovered recyclable materials and substantially reduced the volume of waste destined for landfills.
“We have dedicated considerable effort to strengthening our overall system, moving beyond mere waste collection to implementing more effective management strategies,” he explained.
However, the mayor emphasized that environmental issues transcend political boundaries, reinforcing the critical need for a cohesive strategy among all LGUs in the metropolitan area.
“No individual city can accomplish this alone. What impacts one local government unit will inevitably affect all of us in the region,” Ouano asserted during his summit address.
Proposing Long-Term Solutions and Educational Initiatives
As a sustainable long-term remedy, Mayor Ouano proposed the establishment of a common sanitary landfill specifically for Metro Cebu. This facility would address the region’s waste disposal concerns more efficiently and economically.
Simultaneously, the Mandaue City Government is pivoting its focus from basic waste disposal to advanced resource recovery and fostering greater community discipline. A key component of this initiative involves integrating comprehensive waste management education into school curricula to instill responsible environmental habits among younger generations.
“We are initiating this educational drive with our students because habits formed during early years tend to endure throughout their lives,” Ouano remarked.
He concluded by reminding both civic leaders and ordinary citizens of their shared responsibility in constructing a cleaner and more sustainable Cebu.
“If our children are prepared to fulfill their part, then we, as leaders, must demonstrate even greater commitment. Let us persist in collaborating for a cleaner and more sustainable Cebu,” he urged summit participants.
Summit Gathers Key Officials for Collaborative Dialogue
The environmental summit attracted prominent officials, including Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro, Provincial Administrator Ace Durano, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, and representatives from various LGUs across Metro Cebu. This gathering facilitated crucial discussions on regional environmental strategies and cooperative governance.
