Bacolod barangay launches ‘no segregation, no collection’ policy

BACOLOD CITY – Barangay Handumanan officially launched its pilot “No Segregation, No Collection” policy on Friday, Nov. 6, to promote proper waste segregation and build a cleaner, healthier community.

The initial rollout, supported by the city government and launched at the Barangay Handumanan gymnasium in Zone 6, covers Puroks 1 to 6, reaching approximately 700 to 800 households.

During the initial phase, no penalties will be imposed as barangay officials prioritize education and compliance over enforcement.

For the initial implementation in Puroks 1 to 6, the barangay will handle garbage collection using one dump truck and two collection carts, supported by more than 20 barangay personnel, including street cleaners, Solid Waste Management Program staff and members of the implementing task force.

However, residents who fail to segregate their waste will not have their garbage collected.

Executive Assistant to the Mayor for Environmental Concerns and Special Programs Mona Dia Jardin welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that cooperation from all sectors is essential to its success.

Jardin said biodegradable waste would no longer be brought to the landfill but would instead be turned over to the Negros Economic Development Foundation Inc. (NEDF) for bokashi processing.

“Out of 39 puroks, we really need to step up and extend our support. This is already a big help to our city,” she added.

Bokashi processing uses fermentation to break down organic waste, producing material that can be further processed into nutrient-rich soil conditioner while reducing the volume of biodegradable waste sent to landfills.

Jardin said positive results from the pilot program could pave the way for its expansion to other barangays across the city.

Barangay Captain Ma. Febe Legaspi said the program had been a year in the making, including extensive information and education campaigns on Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

“This is a major undertaking that requires the participation of the entire community,” Legaspi said.

Under RA 9003, households and other waste generators are required to segregate garbage at the source, separating compostable, recyclable, nonrecyclable and special waste.

The law also prohibits the collection of mixed or unsegregated waste, making household compliance an essential part of the city’s solid waste management efforts.

Meanwhile, the Integrated Solid Waste Management and Information System (ISWIMS) will continue its regular garbage collection in the remaining puroks of Barangay Handumanan.

The city and barangay governments emphasized that proper waste management begins at home.

Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier expressed support for the initiative, saying the pilot implementation would help the city identify challenges before expanding the policy to other communities.

With every household taking responsibility for the waste it generates, officials hope the results of the pilot program will guide its possible expansion to Barangay Handumanan’s remaining puroks.

The initiative also aims to reduce the volume of waste reaching the city’s landfill while encouraging residents to adopt more sustainable waste disposal practices.