Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Negros Island Region officer-in-charge Vicente Losbañes commended the Bacolod Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Felisa as a model facility, not only in NIR but across the country.
“The city’s sanitary landfill is considered a model in the Negros Island Region and nationwide due to its best practices, including soil covering, slope stabilization, benching, leachate treatment, recirculation processes, regular monitoring, and seasonal gas emission testing – all of which are strictly implemented by the city,” Losbañes said.
Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed his gratitude to EMB-NIR for the recognition, and commended the stakeholders and key departments for their vital role in enhancing the city’s solid waste management program.
“This achievement is the result of everyone doing their part to ensure compliance with existing environmental laws,” Gasataya said in a city press release.
The Bacolod Sanitary Landfill is equipped with complete operational components and can accommodate up to 900 metric tons of garbage per day. It is the only landfill in the region operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.
Established in 2010, the facility’s Cell No. 4 is currently at its operational peak. While it was originally projected to reach full capacity by February 2026, extensive engineering interventions have successfully extended its lifespan, ensuring that it remains operational until the completion of Cell No. 5.
Atty. Allyn Luv Dignadice, head of the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), emphasized that while efforts are focused on extending the facility’s life, various initiatives are also underway to minimize the city’s residual waste.
“This is the result of collaboration among different offices, not only BENRO, in ensuring compliance with environmental guidelines,” Dignadice said.
She highlighted the continued commitment of the City Engineer’s Office, Office of the Building Official, City Planning and Development Office, and other partners to go beyond mere compliance and manage the facility with utmost diligence.
To further support the city’s goal of extending the landfill’s operational life, Dignadice urged residents to strictly practice waste segregation at the source.
The city remains steadfast in its commitment to providing safe and environmentally sound waste management services for the people of Bacolod. ||
