By Ben Balce,
Associate Editor,
and Mary Angelica Amerkhan,
Correspondent
CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy has addressed the ongoing garbage crisis by reactivating a task force responsible for overseeing solid waste collection and transportation in the city.
“We have already taken action on the garbage problem. The existing waste disposal task force is now being strengthened,” confirmed Mayor Uy’s Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan, via text message this morning, May 19.
Lumbatan explained that the task force is led by City Administrator Lawyer Roy Raagas, who will respond to reports of uncollected trash clogging sidewalks and drainage systems across several barangays.
She clarified that she did not specify whether Mayor Uy had officially signed an Executive Order to establish the Task Force on Solid Waste Collection formally.
Nonetheless, she emphasized that the task force will supervise waste collection, transport, and maintenance.
For weeks, residents have voiced complaints about piles of uncollected garbage on streets and coastal areas, with delays affecting multiple barangays.
Engr. Armen Cuenca, head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro), explained that the delays are primarily due to technical issues with collection equipment and limited landfill capacity — particularly in Barangays Carmen and Lapasan.
The city government highlighted that addressing these challenges requires improved coordination among barangays and city departments to enhance waste management and prevent future accumulation.
In addition to overseeing proper waste disposal, the task force will coordinate with barangays and city agencies to implement effective waste management programs.
Meanwhile, Barangay Bulua announced the resumption of regular garbage collection starting today, May 19, marking a positive step toward resolving the city’s trash issues.
Collection efforts began on Sunday, May 18, at Go Compound (LTFRB Apovel), with simultaneous cleanup activities along major highways.
The Barangay Council, led by Hon. Al P. Legaspi Jr., urged residents to segregate waste properly and avoid illegal dumping, which has worsened sanitation problems.
The council appealed for community understanding and cooperation, reminding residents: “Kanunay Kitang Magsinabtanay Isip Kaigsuonan Sa Barangay Bulua.”
They assured the public that efforts are underway to restore proper waste collection and sanitation services.
This development, according to Lumbatan marks a positive step toward addressing the city’s persistent trash problem, with authorities and residents working together to restore cleanliness and public health.
The city’s contracted waste collector, Tencil Construction and Development Corporation, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the delays, despite repeated media attempts to contact the company.
Clenro expects Tencil to clear the backlog of uncollected waste within the week.
Cuenca added that the City Engineering Office and the City General Services Office have already assisted in waste collection efforts over the past few days.
