CAGAYAN de Oro’s contracted garbage collection service, Tencil Environmental Management, today, May 23, firmly denied accusations by City Councilor Jose ‘Pepe’ Abbu alleging a breach of contract and threatened penalties.
The company also asserts it remains committed to its contractual obligations and is actively working to improve waste management systems across the city.
In an interview with this paper, Tencil’s operations manager, Jermie Danuco, emphasized that their team is diligently performing its duties, including the daily collection of waste, which, according to the contract, is being met or even exceeded.
“We comply with the requirements of our contract, particularly the daily collection quotas per cubic meter, and sometimes even surpass them,” Danuco explained.
Addressing the allegations
Danuco criticized the recent claims made by Abbu and even Councilor Imee Moreno, stating they “grossly undermine the hard work and efforts” of their garbage collectors.
She clarified that the company continues to operate 24/7 to ensure waste collection is maintained, despite some barangays and residents failing to fulfill their responsibilities, especially regarding waste segregation as mandated by city ordinance.
“Some barangays and residents are not doing their part in segregating waste as required,” Danuco pointed out.
“We have specific schedules and designated areas for waste disposal, and when these are not followed, it affects the efficiency of our services.”
Danuco further asserted that Tencil has not violated any contractual terms.
“As far as I know, we are delivering the waste volume stipulated in our contract. Therefore, we cannot be penalized for any supposed breaches,” she stressed.
She called on the city council and officials, including Abbu and Moreno, to revisit and strictly enforce Ordinance No. 13378-2018, which emphasizes waste segregation.
“The failure lies with barangays and residents who do not adhere to the segregation law,” Danuco emphasized, adding, “It’s crucial that officials like Councilor Abbu also advocate for residents to follow proper waste disposal practices.”
Supporting the city’s waste management initiatives
Danuco highlighted that Tencil aligns its operations with the city’s environmental policies, including the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy implemented in March 2024.
She also mentioned that the company utilizes the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and other systems to promote source separation, recycling, and composting.
“Our system allows us to collect recyclable and biodegradable wastes alongside regular trash, which sometimes results in volumes exceeding contractual requirements,” Danuco explained.
“We are actively working with the city to improve waste segregation at the source, as part of their 10-year solid waste management program.”
Danuco expressed optimism about ongoing projects, including demonstrations on sorting at source and recycling, which aim to foster a more sustainable waste management system.
While Tencil maintains its commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations, Danuco urged all stakeholders—barangays, residents, and city officials—to work collaboratively.
“Proper waste disposal starts at home and in the community,” she said.
“We call councilors and others to encourage residents to observe waste segregation laws and cooperate with city initiatives for a cleaner Cagayan de Oro.”
“As the city continues to face increasing waste management challenges, Tencil reaffirms its dedication to providing efficient, sustainable services,” Danuco clarified, adding that their company remains confident that, with collective effort and adherence to policies, progress can be achieved.
