Bacolod expands landfill capacity

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — To address the city’s growing waste disposal requirements, the Bacolod City government has begun constructing an additional landfill cell, a move seen as a crucial step toward the planned Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project.

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the groundbreaking ceremony for the PHP 66 million Cell No. 5 at the city’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa on Thursday.

He was joined by Environmental Management Bureau–Negros Island Region Director Vicente Losbañes, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer-in-Charge Catherine Balasa, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office head Allyn Luv Dignadice, city department heads, Barangay Felisa Captain Francisco Hilado, and other barangay leaders.

Gasataya said the new landfill cell will serve as an immediate response to the city’s waste management challenges while laying the groundwork for the upcoming WTE project, which is being developed in partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Management Bureau.

“We should make a decisive undertaking to ensure an efficient solid waste management program,” the mayor said.

Cell No. 5 is designed to have a landfill lifespan of up to three years.

However, Mario Sandil, operations manager of International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists, said its operational life could be extended once the WTE facility becomes fully operational.

The project follows the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Gasataya and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin for the WTE initiative, which the mayor described as a “game-changer” for Bacolod’s solid waste management system.

Once operational, the WTE project is expected to significantly reduce residual waste, generate economic opportunities, and strengthen environmental protection efforts in the city.

“We are hoping that this will be the last landfill cell, as the city is now working on the Waste-to-Energy project that will eventually reduce our residual waste,” Gasataya said.

Meanwhile, the City Engineer’s Office, in coordination with the Management Information Technology and Communications Services, introduced a quick-response (QR) code system for infrastructure projects to enhance transparency.

City Engineer’s Office head Engr. Loben Ceballos demonstrated the system to members of the media, explaining that the QR code, now displayed on the Cell No. 5 project billboard, allows the public to access project details and submit feedback.

Management Information Technology and Communications Services Officer-in-Charge Edrian Roel Robete said project updates will be accessible through the QR link, which will later be shared on the city government’s official online platforms.

The initiative is in line with Executive Order No. 39, which mandates the use of standardized billboards with QR codes and an online monitoring system to promote transparency in government infrastructure projects.