Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya convened a coordination meeting with barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials along with concerned agencies and city departments yesterday, at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center, to foster unified strategies for tackling the city’s persistent waste issues, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
Gasataya emphasized the critical impact of silt and garbage accumulation in waterways, which significantly contributes to flooding in Bacolod. He highlighted the recent cleanup efforts at Banago River in Barangay Banago, Mambuloc Creek, and Barangay Bata, where approximately 60 tonnes of waste were removed as of August 15.
“Please help us. Join us. The city cannot do this alone,” the mayor urged, reiterating his commitment to supporting barangay-level initiatives aimed at waste reduction.
During the meeting, barangay officials voiced concerns regarding the delayed liquidation of their solid waste management funds, which has impeded the disbursement of their garbage fee share.
In response, Gasataya, in collaboration with the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), introduced a revised waste collection route plan for barangays. This updated plan, to be executed through the city’s private contractor, aims to enhance the efficiency and scope of waste collection services.
“They have a bigger responsibility, which is why our approach is to assess whatever challenges they face, help them, so that after the city’s assistance there will be no finger pointing,” Gasataya stated.
The mayor also pledged support to barangays in enforcing the Anti-Littering Ordinance and minimizing residual waste.
Christian Nagaynay, head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Bacolod, reminded barangays of their responsibilities in road-clearing operations and adherence to the Kalinisan Program, designed to bolster solid waste management at the grassroots level.
The coordination meeting was attended by City Councilors Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Caesar Distrito, Homer Bais, Jason Villarosa, and Bobby Rojas; Liga ng mga Barangay president Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen; Department of Natural Resources Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Joan Gerangaya; and various city department heads.*
