Some city barangays ignore new trash collection plan

CEBU, Philippines - At least five barangays in Cebu City did not observe the new garbage collection scheme implemented by the city government due to traffic and safety issues.

Barrio Luz Captain Jerome Pagador said they have to make some adjustments in the schedule because of the traffic problem in his barangay. Barrio Luz is among the barangays mentioned by the Department of Public Services that did not observe the 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. garbage collection schedule. The other barangays are Pasil, Suba, Sawang and Apas.

Pagador said that it is usually heavy traffic in his barangay during the schedule set by the city government.

"Magsugod man gyud unta ang problema man gud sa amoa, mag sige man og agi sa Archbishop Reyes maglisod na gyud na, pwerting trapika. Karon naningkamot ko pero dili man gyud madala kay wala man mi alternate route," Pagador said.

He said he was forced to modify the schedule for his barangay to avoid traffic. The collection will start at 6 a.m. and will transport the garbage to the landfill at 5 p.m.

 "Akong priority basta akong basura makolekta bahala na'g unsang orasa, pero it does not mean nga wala ko mosunod sa ilahang sugo pero ang tan-aw nako wala man sad gyud koy mahimo. Ang akong gusto inig mata sa mga tawo wala nay basura akong barangay. Dapat inig buntag limpyo ang dalan," Pagador said.

He is hoping that the city government will understand his situation. He also hoped that before a new scheme is implemented, public consultation should be conducted.

Pasil Barangay Captain Julius Guioguio said he was shocked to learn that his barangay was among those that did not observe the new schedule. He said his garbage collectors are observing the proper schedule.

 Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman said he also did not observe the new schedule because of safety reason. Ayuman said his barangay starts collecting garbage at 2 p.m. until 3 p.m.

"Naa lang tay gihimo nga mosugod ta'g kolekta from 2 to 3 kay mosugod man gud tag 5 o'clock kay magabihan ang tawo, moadto sa landfill walay suga, kun madisgrasya, mangamatay na atong mga tawo ngara," he said.

Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president and Tisa Barangay Captain Philip Zafra said he did not have any problem with the new schedule.

"Actually dili na kaayo ko bag-o ana nga schedule kay ako man gud nang gipraktisan akong barangay. Actually sa pag-practice namo ana before nga nireklamo lang ang among subdivision kay alas 10, alas 11 mangatog na sila. Ang amo unta wala man gyud nay problema kung kompleto ta'g equipment. All in all okay man nga ari sa gabii kay number one, less ang traffic dili kaayo ta makadisturbo sa mga tawo especially sa mga working nga mga tawo, labi na sa magsakay og jeep makahanggab nya og baho," Zafra said. (FREEMAN)