Barangay Handumanan officially launched its pilot “No Segregation, No Collection” drive Friday, November 6, at the Barangay Handumanan Gym in Zone 6, Bacolod City.
The project has the full backing of the Bacolod City government, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The initial rollout covers Puroks 1 to 6, reaching approximately 700 to 800 households, as the barangay intensifies efforts to promote proper waste segregation and a cleaner, healthier community.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor for Environmental Concerns and Special Programs Mona Dia Jardin welcomed the initiative during the launching, emphasizing that cooperation from all sectors is key to its success.
“Out of 39 puroks, we really need to step up and extend our support. Our biodegradable waste will no longer be brought to the landfill. Instead, it will be turned over to NEDF for their bokashi processing. This is already a big help to our city,” Jardin said.
Bokashi processing is a natural fermentation method that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich soil conditioner, diverting biodegradable matter away from landfills.
She added that positive results from this pilot could pave the way for expansion to other barangays across Bacolod.
Barangay Captain Ma. Febe Legaspi noted that the program has been a year in the making, including extensive information and education campaigns on Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
“This is a major undertaking that requires the participation of the entire community,” Legaspi said.
During this initial phase, no penalties will be imposed — the barangay is prioritizing education and compliance rather than enforcement. Residents who fail to segregate their waste will simply not have their garbage collected, the press release said.
For the initial implementation in Puroks 1 to 6, the barangay itself will take charge of collection using one dump truck and two collection chariots, supported by more than 20 barangay personnel including street cleaners, Solid Waste Management Program staff, and members of the implementing task force.
Meanwhile, the Integrated Solid Waste Management and Information System (ISWIMS) will continue its regular garbage collection in the remaining puroks of Handumanan.
Collected biodegradable waste will no longer be brought to the landfill; instead, it will be turned over to the National Ecology Development Foundation (NEDF) for bokashi processing.
Residents have expressed strong support for the new policy.
Mary Jane Tolentino, a resident of Purok 6 since 1976, said she has already prepared separate containers for her household waste.
“People will now be encouraged to segregate. If we do not separate our waste, it will not be collected. Proper segregation will help keep our surroundings clean,” Tolentino said.
Purok 6 Chairman Rodolfo Coray said “My commitment is to ensure that our community segregates biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.”
The city and barangay government underscored that proper waste management begins at home — with every household taking responsibility for the waste it generates. The outcome of this pilot implementation will guide whether the policy is expanded to the remaining puroks of Handumanan, the press release said.*
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