The waste management office in Puerto Princesa City recently reported that, on average, 180 tons of garbage were collected every day in 2024, a small decrease from the 189 tons that were collected in 2023.
The sustainability and efficiency of waste collection services are hindered by financial constraints, resource limitations, and non-compliance with waste management protocols at the barangay level, according to Jakiri Illescas, special operations officer of the City Solid Waste Management Office (CSWMO), despite this decline.
The collected waste comprises two primary types: residual waste, which includes non-recyclable household trash, and agricultural waste, such as tree branches and other natural debris.
“Ang residual waste ay dinadala sa aming sanitary landfill, habang ang agricultural waste ay sa composting area,” Illescas explained
These garbage are collected from 64 of the city’s 66 barangays. Urban areas are serviced three times a day, while rural barangays only receive waste collection four times a month due to limited resources.
“Dahil kulang ang aming truck, hindi namin kayang kolektahin ang basura mula sa lahat ng barangay nang madalas,” said Illescas. The office utilizes seven compactor trucks and 12 open dump trucks, which are additionally employed for the removal of agricultural waste and debris resulting from tree pruning.
The absence of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in numerous barangays further complicates the issue of waste segregation.
According to Section 32 of Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, every barangay or cluster of barangays is mandated to establish a MRF.
“Kapag walang MRF ang barangay, door-to-door namin hinahakot ang basura, na mas matrabaho at hindi efficient,” Illescas said.
He further noted that barangay officials need to play an active role in addressing these gaps.
The CSWMO’s budget has been reduced from ₱93 million in 2023 to ₱80 million in 2024, he said, significantly affecting truck maintenance, salaries, and collection schedules. “
Ang budget cut ay nakaapekto sa aming operasyon, lalo na sa pagbabayad ng fuel, repair ng mga truck, at pasahod sa aming 204 personnel na nagtatrabaho araw-araw para mangolekta ng basura,” Illescas emphasized.
Despite these financial constraints, the CSWMO continues to prioritize efficient waste collection and resource optimization.
However, Illescas admitted that more funding and cooperation are needed to sustain operations and meet the growing waste management demands of Puerto Princesa.
Puerto Princesa’s landfill, operational since 2005, is nearing capacity. He said that to address this, the city is planning to expand the landfill to extend its lifespan by 18 years.
The new phase will include modern environmental protocols to manage leachate and prevent contamination.
“Ang bawat toneladang basura ay dumadaan sa proseso tulad ng weighing, treatment ng leachate, at tamang pag-imbak para mapanatili ang kalinisan at kaligtasan ng kapaligiran,” Illescas stated.
Additionally, the landfill’s adjacent composting facility processes agricultural waste, converting it into reusable organic matter for environmental rehabilitation efforts.
To address waste management inefficiencies, the CSWMO plans to pilot the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy in five barangays by 2025.
This initiative seeks to implement effective segregation practices and alleviate pressure on landfill operations.
“Plano naming mag-focus sa mga pilot barangays muna bago ito palawakin sa buong lungsod,” Illescas said.
The CSWMO advocates for enhanced barangay adherence to RA 9003, specifically regarding the establishment of MRFs.
Illescas emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating that everyone must work together to improve the waste management system.
“Kailangan nating lahat magtulungan para maging maayos ang sistema ng pamamahala ng basura,” he said.
Public education campaigns and partnerships with organizations such as USAID are part of the office’s strategy to instill discipline in waste segregation practices.
The CSWMO has introduced a monthly incentive program aimed at encouraging waste collectors, providing rewards like sacks of rice to those who excel in their performance. This initiative seeks to enhance morale and promote effective collection practices.
Illescas emphasized the significance of community collaboration, especially in coastal barangays where the challenge of improper waste disposal persists. Initiatives such as “Save the Bay” focus on informing residents about appropriate waste disposal practices and stopping the littering of waterways.
