Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival revealed he was unaware that the Binaliw landfill had resumed accepting waste following its partial reopening.
The landfill, managed by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc. (PIWSI), is operating under a partial lift of the cease-and-desist order by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7).
Archival stated that while he was informed of the partial reopening, the landfill operator did not communicate that waste intake had already started.
He suggested that the recent activity might be part of testing procedures during the ongoing rehabilitation of the site.
I don’t think they are operating. They’re just saying that it’s open… They might be trying to test [the facility].
Mayor Nestor Archival
The Cebu City Council expressed concern about the landfill resuming operations without their knowledge, especially after a tragic incident in January that resulted in 35 worker fatalities.
During a recent executive session, PIWSI's Cebu manager confirmed that the landfill had begun accepting limited waste, processing fewer than 50 metric tons daily from private sources.
He assured that this waste was being managed within approved interim cells.
Archival emphasized that waste disposal by the city would not occur at Binaliw until strict safety regulations are verified.
It may be open to others, but for the city of Cebu, we are not bringing our waste there, not unless the executive order is pursued and followed.
Mayor Nestor Archival
The mayor is preparing an executive order to establish interim waste management policies and safety assessment protocols for the landfill.
This order will prevent automatic waste disposal at Binaliw until all safety standards are confirmed.
Additionally, a Waste Crisis Task Force will be formed to oversee inspections and recommend policies regarding landfill use.
An independent environmental assessment of the landfill will also be conducted as part of the city's due diligence.
Cebu City will maintain its current waste disposal arrangements, including using alternative sites, while exploring new waste management options.