Waste management gets fresh push

CEBU CITY — Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has convened the Cebu Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (CPSWMB) for the first time, calling for a more coordinated and results-oriented approach to the province’s growing waste management challenges.

Baricuatro said solid waste management should no longer be treated solely as an environmental concern, noting its impact on public health, tourism, communities and the overall quality of life of Cebuanos.

“Solid waste management is not simply an environmental concern. It affects public health, tourism, our communities, and ultimately, the quality of life of every Cebuano,” she said.

The meeting formally constituted the CPSWMB pursuant to Executive Order No. 3, series of 2026, and created its Executive Committee and Technical Working Group.

The board also reviewed the implementation of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan and discussed a proposed resolution requiring local government units across Cebu to regularly submit waste management status reports.

The reports would allow the provincial government to track progress and identify areas needing additional support.

Baricuatro said Cebu must move beyond policies and plans and focus on measurable results.

“It’s time for us to move beyond plans and policies toward consistent and measurable action,” she said.

She also stressed that investments in waste management should be guided by reliable data, including Waste Analysis and Characterization Studies, to ensure that solutions are appropriate, sustainable and responsive to communities’ actual needs.

The board discussed potential waste management facilities, including sanitary landfills and waste-to-energy projects.

“Our goal should not simply be to dispose of it, but to reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, and recover valuable resources,” Baricuatro said.

She emphasized that addressing Cebu’s waste problem would require the collective effort of the provincial government, LGUs, communities, businesses and other stakeholders.

“A cleaner Cebu will not be achieved through one project or one government office. It requires good data, responsible communities, coordinated LGUs, sustainable investments, and consistent action,” she said.