Mayor to strictly enforce anti-littering law

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Following a series of river clean-up operations, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city government will strictly enforce its Anti-Littering Ordinance to address the persistent problem of indiscriminate garbage disposal.

Gasataya told reporters Monday that clean-up drives are not a long-term solution and that residents must develop discipline in waste management.

He said the first step is to launch an information and education campaign.

Gasataya said he will meet with all barangay captains, the chairman of the Committee on Environment, and Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons.

“This should not be the sole effort of the city government—barangays must also take responsibility in enforcing ordinances and monitoring rivers, floodways, and dumping areas that clog our drainage,” the mayor said.

He confirmed that 17 tons of silt and garbage were collected from the river near the north terminal last Friday.

Gasataya added that the city also plans to remove a small island formation in another river that is obstructing water flow.

He said a study conducted by the City Planning Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and City Engineer’s Office, submitted in July, identified northern Bacolod—particularly Barangays Bata, Mandalagan, Banago, and coastal communities—as priority areas for clearing operations.

“We will start with Banago and Mandalagan, then move to other rivers. An engineering evaluation will guide how much silt should be removed,” he added.

On garbage management, the mayor expressed concern that bins, when not paired with consistent collection, turn into dumpsites.

He cited the situation at the Burgos Market, where the removal of bins—on the recommendation of the city administrator and market supervisors—was welcomed by vendors, provided collection remained regular.

Meanwhile, Gasataya said complaints continue against IPM, the city’s private garbage contractor, which has yet to finalize its collection schedule for various barangays.

He said only the schedule for market garbage collection has been submitted by IPM.

Gasataya stressed that “penalties are only one part of the solution. More important is the realization that every resident has a responsibility to keep the city clean.”

“Even without anyone watching, people should take this obligation to heart. Apprehension will only be a last resort—but if discipline is lacking, the city government will be compelled to implement it,” the mayor said.