Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has announced the appointment of two new garbage collectors — the MetroWaste Solid Waste Management Corporation (MetroWaste) and Phil. Ecology Systems Corporation (PhilEco) — to ensure efficient collection and maintain a clean city.

The companies were selected after winning a bidding process conducted last 3 December 2024, securing a one-year contract worth a total of P842.7 million.

This move comes amid concerns about the city’s previous garbage collection efforts, which were plagued by inefficiency and alleged sabotage, according to Lacuna.

To address these concerns, the city government has created a task force to monitor the transition and prevent any disruptions to garbage collection services.

“MetroWaste and PhilEco won the bidding, with bids falling within the city’s approved budget. MetroWaste secured a contract worth P412,931,706.32 for Districts 1, 2 and 3 of Manila, while PhilEco won the bid for Districts 4, 5, and 6 with a contract worth P429,786,061.68,” Lacuna said.

Based on the PhilGEPS procurement portal, the invitation to bid was issued on 21 November, and the deadline for bid submission was 3 December. Bids were submitted and evaluated on the same day.

Lacuna stressed that the appointment of two contractors will ensure improved garbage collection performance, noting the shortcomings of the previous contractor, Leonel Waste Management Corporation.