Recent excavation activities at Bacolod City’s old dumpsite along Buri Road in Barangay Mandalagan have raised concerns over public health, safety, and the protection of investments in the area.
An ocular inspection conducted by the City Engineer’s Office on Monday, August 10, showed that a mountain of waste excavated by various developers remains exposed, creating an eyesore and posing potential health and safety risks to nearby residents and passing motorists, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Tuesday.
The City Legal Office is optimistic that proper coordination and clear guidelines will be established following a technical conference with the Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) and other concerned stakeholders scheduled on Wednesday, August 12.
City Administrator Mark Steven Mayo said the city has yet to receive an explanation from EMB-NIR officials regarding the Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) issued to developers for the excavation of the old dumpsite.
He emphasized, however, that immediate measures must be undertaken to protect public health and safety and safeguard existing and future investments in the area.
“The priority is to protect public health, welfare and the establishments nearby considering its economic potential. If we don’t act on it, definitely it will create more problems later on,” Mayo said.
Mayo clarified that the city is not opposed to development projects in Bacolod. However, he stressed that proper waste handling, transfer, and disposal must be strictly observed to ensure public safety and compliance with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
“Moving forward, we need to resolve this matter as we protect the businesses so that it won’t affect public health and safety, especially the residents of Barangay Mandalagan,” he added.
Mayo also said Mayor Greg Gasataya has been exploring various options, including the possible use of the city’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa for the transfer and proper disposal of waste excavated from the old dumpsite.
This option, however, remains subject to the issuance of an ECC by EMB-NIR for the operation of Cell No. 5 of the sanitary landfill.
The city aims to establish a proper waste transfer and disposal plan in coordination with EMB-NIR and in accordance with existing environmental laws and regulations, the press release said.*
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