The Lapu-Lapu City government has rolled out a purok-based solid waste management system, shifting waste segregation and monitoring to the community level amid continuing concerns over rising garbage volume and limited disposal capacity.
The program was launched at the Hoops Dome on Friday, February 13, 2026, following the approval of City Ordinance No. 17-016-2025, which institutionalizes the approach and defines the responsibilities of barangays and puroks in enforcing waste segregation and diversion.
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the city is dealing with increasing waste generation and higher hauling costs that continue to strain existing landfill arrangements.
She reiterated that solid waste management has become a broader environmental and public health concern that requires coordination beyond city boundaries.
During the launch, King-Chan again raised the proposal for a regional integrated solid waste management facility, including a possible waste-to-energy study and a shared sanitary landfill among local government units, citing capacity and cost concerns.
The mayor earlier brought up the issue before the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 during the Joint Executive Committee and Advisory Committee Consultation Meeting and Technical Budget Review for the FY 2027 budget proposals of regional line agencies and state universities and colleges on February 12.
The ordinance aims to strengthen compliance with Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which mandates segregation at source, the establishment of material recovery facilities (MRFs), and reduced reliance on landfills.
City Councilor Rufo Bering, principal author of the measure and chair of the council’s Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Adaptation, said the ordinance decentralizes accountability by assigning clear roles to purok leaders and barangay officials.
Under the system, households are required to strictly segregate waste, while barangays are tasked with monitoring compliance, operating or upgrading MRFs, and coordinating collection schedules with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
City officials said enforcement and monitoring will be stepped up, noting that the effectiveness of the program will depend largely on consistent implementation and sustained community participation.
The launch was attended by city officials, barangay captains, and representatives from national agencies, followed by a ceremonial signing of commitments by local leaders to implement the program in their respective areas. (VCL)
