CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES —
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival is banking on Prime Integrated Waste Solutions’ bid to reopen the Binaliw landfill, even through interim cells first, admitting that the city’s current garbage disposal scheme is “unsustainable.”
“For now we have enough budget to haul to Aloguinsan in the next few months,” Archival said before leaving for Japan, “but the cost is times two. Dako gyud kaayo, dili gyud ni siya sustainable.”
He stressed that while segregation remains the city’s long-term solution, immediate relief hinges on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) approval of PrimeWaste’s phased reopening.
Disposal costs, he noted, have more than doubled with waste being hauled to Aloguinsan compared to Binaliw.
“Ang gitan-aw nato nga sustainable nga pamaagi is number one, kinahanglan gyud ta mag-segregate.
That’s the main thing nga sustainable ta,” he added, while expressing hope that PrimeWaste’s ECC amendment would be approved to reduce costs and logistical burdens.
Primewaste compliance and rehabilitation plans
During the City Council’s latest executive session, PrimeWaste presented its rehabilitation timetable and compliance updates, insisting it has met DENR-EMB requirements.
General Manager Niño Abellana said all documents—including detailed site rehabilitation drawings—have been submitted, with only one major item pending: a comprehensive geotechnical and operational assessment of the January 8 trash slide that killed at least 36 workers.
“We have fully complied with everything written in the commitment sheet,” Abellana said.
The assessment, covering slope stability, drainage, waste pile configuration, and risks from earthquakes and heavy rainfall, must be completed within 90 days.
Abellana projected six months to one year for full rehabilitation but said interim landfill cells could open “in tranches” by March, pending DENR and LGU approval.
“What we are trying to do right now is to look into the opportunity to open interim cells while fully rehabilitating the actual landfill,” he told councilors.
These interim cells, he said, would temporarily receive municipal solid waste.
PrimeWaste has applied for an amendment to its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to include site expansion and interim cells.
Councilor David Tumulak acknowledged PrimeWaste’s submissions, noting DENR has not yet barred the company from operating again.
He stressed, however, that PrimeWaste must be held accountable both for the lives lost and for Cebu City’s mounting garbage crisis.
Ato sang tan-awn nga manubag pud sila sa dakbayan sa Sugbo sa atong problema sa basura,” Tumulak said, warning that unresolved waste management problems could lead to further casualties.
Councilor Joel Garganera challenged PrimeWaste’s denial that the facility had operated as an open dump, pointing to uncovered trash piles and reports of noncompliance.
“The results will speak for itself…look at the mountain of trash, not been covered, and a lot of reports in between,” he said, reminding the council that the site remains a “crime scene.”
A DENR-EMB inspection report dated January 18 confirmed strong foul odor from uncovered leachate ponds, mixed waste contrary to permit conditions, and risks of groundwater contamination.
A Notice of Violation was issued to PrimeWaste for breaches of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, improper segregation, and inadequate odor control.
In a February communication to Councilor Tumulak, DENR-EMB reiterated that PrimeWaste must complete the geotechnical assessment and secure Cebu City’s approval for its ECC amendment before reopening.
Department of Public Services head John Paul Gelasque admitted that hauling waste farther, such as to Aloguinsan, doubles costs—₱3,906 per ton compared to ₱1,100 at Binaliw.
The farther the distance of the landfill, the more expensive it gets, he said, adding that Binaliw remains preferable if compliance is secured.
| Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/RAE
