Businesses joining Cebu City’s war vs. garbage

CEBU, Philippines - The owners of businesses near Mahiga Creek in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City who are affected by tremendous flooding have pledged to help the City in its “Gubat sa basura” (war against garbage) and proper segregation.

In a meeting with City Hall representatives yesterday, they promised to join the City in the fight to keep Mahiga clean of garbage, which is the main reason for clogging and overflowing of the creek.

 This early, however, the City must go after those taking advantage of the City’s efforts, with Mabolo garbage collectors allegedly asking P50 from every constituent during waste collection.

This was divulged by one of the business establishment owners during a stakeholders meeting yesterday at the Cebu City Hall.

Mabolo Barangay Captain Rey Ompoc called the information “untrue”, but City Attorney Jerone Castillo said they will look into the issue.

The owner, who asked not to be named, said that because of the practice, they instead have children “basureros” dispose off their garbage with only minimal payment.

Castillo, though, said these children might throw the collected garbage into the Mahiga Creek and other rivers.

He said residents, especially those living near the five waterways of Mahiga, Lahug, Guadalupe, Bulacao and Kinalumsan, have to observe the solid waste law.

He said the City Legal Department would draft a covenant on “no dropping of basura” into water systems that residents could sign.

Castillo also said that the Department of Public Works and Highways would start dredging the mouth of the Mahiga Creek in the first quarter of next year.

The City Government, meanwhile, would focus on enhancement and rehabilitation upstream. (FREEMAN)