An environmental group called on Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya to present a clear and time-bound plan for addressing the city’s waste problem during his State of the City Address this afternoon, July 8.
The Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment issued the statement hours before Gasataya’s address, urging the city government to fully implement Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
NICE said Bacolod is already struggling with the volume of waste it generates and questioned proposals that would allow the city to receive garbage from other local government units.
The group alleged that the city’s landfill is filling up rapidly, while residents of Brgy. Felisa continue to experience foul odors, clogged waterways, flooding, and possible health risks linked to the waste facility.
It said teachers and residents raised the concerns during a community dialogue conducted in Brgy. Felisa on July 5.
According to NICE, teachers reported that persistent odors from the landfill and passing garbage trucks were affecting the ability of children to concentrate in school.
Families also reportedly raised concerns about recurring stomach illnesses and other possible health effects of living near the landfill.
The group challenged Gasataya to explain why Bacolod continues to accumulate waste despite the amount spent on its solid waste management program.
It also asked the mayor to address what it described as the inadequate implementation of waste reduction, segregation, recycling, composting, and diversion measures required under RA 9003.
NICE said accepting more waste and expanding disposal facilities would not resolve the city’s waste problem.
The group also rejected waste-to-energy incineration as a solution, arguing that the city should instead reduce residual waste at its source.
“We call on the mayor to directly address these issues in his upcoming State of the City Address and present a clear, time-bound plan for achieving full compliance with RA 9003,” the group said.
NICE urged the city government to invest in zero-waste programs, protect communities near disposal facilities, and prioritize public health and environmental protection.
Gasataya has yet to respond to the group’s statement as of this posting.*
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