Mandaue City has deployed eco wardens in all 27 barangays to monitor and enforce waste segregation as part of efforts to address the city’s garbage problem.
City Councilor Dante Borbajo said waste segregation remains a challenge due to differences in public behavior, making close monitoring at the barangay level essential.
“Waste segregation is difficult because people behave differently, which is why barangay officials and personnel must be diligent,” Borbajo said.
The initiative follows an emergency waste situation caused by a landslide at the Binaliw dumpsite, which disrupted regular garbage disposal operations.
Borbajo, who also serves as president of the Liga ng mga Barangay–Mandaue City Chapter, said the league requested Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano on January 19 to assign eco wardens to barangays to assist in monitoring waste disposal.
The mayor approved the request, assigning three job-order eco wardens per barangay. The eco wardens underwent orientation on January 23, marking the start of their deployment.
Trained by the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO), the eco wardens will conduct roving inspections, check waste segregation, and educate residents.
They are also authorized to issue fines of P500 for violations such as indiscriminate dumping or unsegregated waste.
Borbajo said the deployment aims to strengthen enforcement of waste management rules and improve garbage handling at the barangay level. (VCL)
