• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The environment group Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment (NICE) has urged the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod July 3 to carefully consider the long-term environmental, social, and economic consequences of a proposal allowing Victorias City to dump its residual waste in Barangay Felisa.
NICE issued the statement following reports that the Bacolod City Solid Waste Management Board approved Victorias City’s request to dispose of an estimated 30 cubic meters of residual waste per month at the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.
The group said it is deeply concerned about this development, adding that while inter-local government cooperation is permitted under the law, it should not compromise the welfare and long-term interests of the host city.
“Bacolod cannot become the answer to another city’s waste problem while its own waste crisis remains unresolved,” NICE stressed.
It noted recent complaints from Barangay Felisa residents regarding the persistent foul odor affecting their health and sanitation.
“It is difficult to speak of helping others when our own waste management system still requires urgent attention, stronger investment, and real action,” NICE said.
Bacolod City Legal officer, Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, confirmed that the solid waste management board had approved the request of Victorias.
Chiu said the proposed agreement would span one year and would not involve any financial costs for Bacolod, as Victorias will handle the hauling and disposal of garbage.
“It is allowed under the law, the cooperation between the cities. The legal opinion is also favorable; we could do that, the city could do the inter-city cooperation,” he said.
Chiu said the landfill can accommodate the additional volume, noting that Cell No. 5 of the facility is expected to become operational soon.
While the Victorias City SP has reportedly approved the measure, the proposed memorandum of agreement awaits the decision of the Bacolod sanggunian. | TMD
