Bacolod mayor pushes faster work on recycling hub

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya is urging the management of the city’s sanitary landfill to fast-track the construction of the Bacolod Integrated Recycling and Technological Hub, which is expected to significantly boost recycling efforts and reduce residual waste once completed.

The sanitary landfill, located in Barangay Felisa, is managed by IPM Construction and Development Corp., the city’s garbage collection contractor.

Gasataya visited the site to “personally see the work we are doing to improve the solid waste management of our city.”

He also said the city government is exploring ways to improve the welfare of residents who earn a living at the landfill.

Upon assuming office, Gasataya vowed to address Bacolod’s garbage problems within his first 100 days, along with issues related to flooding and traffic congestion.

Earlier, the Bacolod City Government imposed a PHP1,068,000 fine on IPM-CDC for alleged breaches of its waste management contract.

Violations cited by City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu included IPM-CDC’s failure to provide shredders for the city’s three major public markets—a key component in reducing non-biodegradable waste—and its restricted access to the firm’s GPS tracking system.

“We should ensure IPM’s compliance with the agreement entered into with the city,” Chiu said.

He also emphasized the need for proactive waste management strategies and highlighted the importance of GPS system access, noting that full access remains restricted despite repeated requests.

The fine reflects growing concerns over IPM-CDC’s performance in meeting contractual obligations.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Gasataya warned the contractor to improve its garbage collection route plan, saying the firm must “shape up or ship out.”