The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 has clarified that Cebu City is not authorized to use the South Road Properties (SRP) as a waste transfer station without the required environmental permits and clearances.
Cease-and-Desist Order Issued
According to Rizalina Saberon, Chief of the Clearance and Permitting Division of DENR-EMB 7, the DENR issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against the city's waste operations at the SRP on June 7, 2026, due to observed environmental violations.
She clarified that while the site can no longer be used as a waste transfer station, the city is still allowed to continue cleanup and hauling activities to remove accumulated garbage in the area, in accordance with agreements reached during a technical conference with the agency.
Investigation and Compliance
Saberon stated that the agency conducted an investigation after receiving complaints about the piled-up waste at the SRP and found that the site was being used without obtaining environmental permits.
“As of EMB, we are not allowing the dumping of garbage in that area. That’s why they were called for a technical conference and were issued a cease-and-desist order,” Saberon said.
She noted that Cebu City officials promised during the technical conference to clean the area and transfer the accumulated waste to a permitted disposal facility.
