BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya said Bacolod City’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa is compliant with required engineering safety measures after he inspected the facility early Tuesday morning, Jan. 13.
Gasataya said compliance was observed in key operational areas, including proper waste compacting, the application of volcanic soil covering, sloping, and benching—measures intended to ensure the landfill’s stability and safety.
He said public health and sanitation protocols are also being strictly implemented, including the regular spraying of deodorizers and sanitizers to minimize health risks and odor.
Gasataya also cited significant improvements in the clearing and organization of access routes for dump trucks and heavy equipment, which he said is allowing faster waste dumping and quicker turnaround for garbage trucks returning to their collection routes.
The mayor inspected the ongoing construction of Cell No. 5, which he said is expected to improve the efficiency of waste collection and disposal once it becomes operational.
Gasataya said the city government remains focused on strengthening solid waste management, adding that the city is undertaking all possible measures to address existing garbage collection backlogs.
During his first press conference for the year on Monday, Gasataya said he instructed the City Legal Office to prepare strict legal measures as garbage collection operations in Bacolod begin to normalize.
Gasataya said garbage collection is now being handled by International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist, Inc. (I-SWIMS), which took over operations after the previous contractor’s agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2025.
He said all garbage trucks operated by I-SWIMS are equipped with global positioning system (GPS) tracking, in compliance with provisions of the waste collection contract.
Gasataya said he also directed the City Legal Office to investigate reports of alleged organized dumping of garbage in some areas of the city.
He said I-SWIMS has already finalized garbage collection schedules for barangays as the city works to stabilize regular pickups.
Gasataya said the city has adopted temporary measures to address concerns raised by large business establishments that rely on private garbage haulers.
Gasataya stressed that private garbage haulers are required to comply with the guidelines of the Solid Waste Management Act as enforced by the city government.
He said that while private haulers are processing their permits, the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, in coordination with I-SWIMS, will conduct special collection trips for large business establishments, colleges, and universities.
However, Gasataya said he remains concerned that despite the clearing of mini-dumpsites, there were reports of renewed organized dumping in certain areas, which the city government is now investigating.
“With everyone’s cooperation and discipline, we continue our work toward a cleaner and greener Bacolod City,” Gasataya said. (Dolly Yasa via tdg)