CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Even without the courtesies traditionally extended between local leaders, Consolacion Mayor Teresa “Nene” Alegado has made it clear she has no objection to Cebu City continuing to dispose of its garbage at the Asian Energy landfill in Barangay Polog, Consolacion—even beyond the extension sought by the Cebu City government—so long as the city strictly complies with the guidelines set by her administration.
This position comes amid earlier concerns over the absence of courtesy from Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival when the city began hauling its waste to Consolacion following the closure of the Binaliw landfill due to the trash slide.
Alegado in an interview with The Freeman stressed that while Cebu City has expressed its intention to extend the landfill’s use until March 31, 2026, her foremost priority remains the welfare of Consolacion residents.
“Ila ra man nang pronouncement nga kutob sila diha (March 30, 2026). Ako iregardless ug hangtud kanus-a, basta ang volume ra gyud nga e-allow nako ang ilabay didto,” she said, adding that she would be more pleased if Cebu City eventually transfers its disposal elsewhere, as this would ease the burden on Consolacion.
She recalled past incidents when Cebu City’s garbage disposal reached 1,000 tons in a single day, sparking anger among residents.
“Nagpaka buta-bungol ko kay nakasabot sad ko nga kinahanglan gyud nga katong mga basura sa City of Cebu, Mandaue, nga kinahanglan gyud to elabay. But there will come a time nga mahurot na sad to…mao nga nagbutang na ko’g guidelines,” she explained, while stressing that the system now in place is designed to prevent excess volume and inconvenience to the community.
Under the new arrangement, Cebu City is allocated 100 tons per day, with the rest of the landfill’s capacity reserved for other LGUs and private companies that have long been clients of Asian Energy.
In a forum, Alegado noted Cebu City could be allowed 100 to 150 tons daily, but not beyond that, to ensure space for other LGUs around Metro Cebu. Cebu City generates around 500 to 600 tons of mixed garbage daily.
She clarified that the daily maximum accommodation at the landfill is 600 tons, not 300 as previously reported.
Operations run from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with mornings dedicated to LGUs and afternoons to private haulers, in order to avoid congestion and odor problems.
During a special session of the Cebu City Council yesterday, however, Department of Public Services head John Paul Gelasque was unable to answer councilors’ queries regarding the landfill’s new guidelines, including its limits and delivery schedules, and other concerns. This underscored the need for better coordination between Cebu City and Consolacion.
Councilor Joel Garganera admitted he had personally called Vice Mayor Joyjoy Alegado to ask if coordination had been made, saying, “Maikog ta uy nga wala makatawag man lang atong Mayor sa ilang Mayor, maka hassle baya ta sa ila communidad sa traffic, baho, samok.”
Garganera added that he urged Mayor Archival to pay a visit to Mayor Alegado to discuss the matter.
Despite this, Alegado said she is not demanding any meeting with Archival, who has since committed to visiting Consolacion within the week. “As long as the city complies with the guidelines and avoids too much inconvenience with the people of Consolacion, they can go ahead,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, the Cebu City Council has approved a resolution authored by Councilor David Tumulak authorizing Mayor Archival to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Asian Energy Systems Corporation for emergency disposal of the city’s garbage from February 1 to March 31, 2026.The move was prompted by the January 8 tragedy at the landfill of Prime Waste Solutions Cebu, which claimed lives and injured workers, leading to a cease-and-desist order from the DENR-EMB.
The emergency contract with Asian Energy, worth P60.83 million, covers the processing of 50,691.66 tons of solid waste and is funded under the city’s 2026 garbage collection and disposal program.
For now, Alegado reiterated her openness to Cebu City’s continued use of the landfill, provided the city respects the limits and guidelines.
“So long as they comply, kana walay problema,” she concluded, balancing the urgent needs of neighboring LGUs with the responsibility of protecting Consolacion’s residents and environment.
| Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, Preciosa L. Bacalso/RAE
