A Davao City-based environmental group has called for stronger protection, safer working conditions, and livelihood support for waste pickers following a mass-wasting incident in Barangay New Carmen, Tugbok District. The Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) said the incident underscores how the informal waste sector continues to be overlooked despite its vital role in waste recovery and recycling.
IDIS Statement on the Incident
“The informal waste sector must be afforded proper protection, safer working environments, recognition, and access to social protection and livelihood support,” IDIS said in a statement issued on May 21, 2026. The group described the mass-wasting incident as unfortunate and extended sympathies to the affected families and communities.
IDIS also highlighted that the incident reflects the growing challenge posed by the increasing volume of waste brought to the city’s sanitary landfill. The group stressed the need for a stronger integrated waste management system that prioritizes waste reduction, segregation at source, recycling, composting, and responsible waste disposal to prevent similar incidents.
“Beyond being an environmental issue, waste management is also a matter of public safety, human dignity, and social justice,” IDIS added.
Details of the Mass-Wasting Incident
The mass-wasting incident struck Barangay New Carmen at around 1:17 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. As of 4:30 p.m., authorities confirmed one fatality and two injuries. The organization has extended immediate assistance to affected families and individuals.
Initial investigation showed that water buildup beneath the landfill caused a portion of the garbage mound to collapse after heavy rains, burying several houses. Police said search and retrieval operations continue for two missing individuals.
Based on the initial report as of 11:27 p.m. on May 20, affected families had evacuated to the gymnasium beside the Barangay Hall in Purok 3, New Carmen. Authorities recorded 123 house owners, six sharers, 374 dependents, one renter, and one boarder among those affected.
Broader Context: Brand Audit and River Cleanup
In a related effort, during the celebration of World Clean Up Day on September 17, 2022, Bantay Bukid volunteers, residents, volunteers from Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines-Mintal Chapter, and IDIS took part in the global #BrandAudit2022. A total of 1,159 pieces of mixed waste were collected during a river cleanup drive and brand audit at the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed in Davao City. The waste included PET bottles, plastic sando bags, soiled diapers, sanitary pads, medical waste (face masks), plastic spoons and forks, and sachets, among others.
