Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya will formalize an agreement with a new private garbage collector after the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved his request in a special session Dec. 29 to sign two service contracts for the city’s solid waste management.
The SP greenlit the contracts for a consortium composed of International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists Inc. (ISWIM), D.C. Sandil Construction and Realty Development Inc., and San Igmedio Builders Incorporated.
The first contract, worth P327.9 million, is for garbage collection, hauling, and disposal; and P109,000,800 in environmental and sanitary services, including the operation and maintenance of the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.
The contracts will take effect in January, up to end of 2026, as the current deals of the city with IPM Construction and Development Corporation are set to lapse this Dec. 31.
Gasataya said the request was “urgent and crucial to ensure the continuity of garbage collection services and to sustain the city’s cleanliness and environmental protection efforts.”
Councilors Caesar Distrito and Celia Flor said they expect improved service delivery, citing the consortium’s commitment to deploy 60 new garbage trucks and compactors.
“We expect a total cleanup and a more responsive contractor, especially in addressing the clamor brought about by issues with the previous service provider,” Distrito said.
“We want better services because the public deserves better when it comes to solid waste management,” Flor added in a city press release.
Pre-procurement by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) began Nov. 24. IPM–CDC, initially the lowest calculated bidder for the collection and disposal component, was disqualified following post-qualification proceedings on Dec. 19.
Per the BAC, the IPM-CDC refused to undergo post-qualification evaluation and failed to refute the committee’s findings, including deficiencies in the submission of proof of ownership of hauling equipment.
The BAC recommended awarding the contract to ISWIM, the second lowest bidder, on Dec. 26.
As the city prepares for the transition, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) officer-in-charge, Atty. Allyn Luv Dignadice, voiced optimism about a new transfer station the consortium will operate in Barangay Cabug, which aims to “minimize downtime and speed up regular garbage collection and disposal operations.”
“We look forward to more efficient services, given the private contractor’s track record as a reliable solid waste management service provider in the country,” Dignadice said.
Records show that ISWIM, a Manila-based firm, has served 17 local government units and operates several sanitary landfills in Luzon. ||
