Cebu City Residents Launch Massive Petition Against Landfill and Waste Facility
Exactly one month after a devastating trash slide claimed 36 lives, the community of Barangay Binaliw in Cebu City has taken decisive action. On Sunday, February 8, 2026, residents initiated a large-scale signature campaign with two clear demands: the immediate closure of their local landfill and the prevention of a new waste-to-energy facility from being constructed in their area.
A Community Seeks Justice and Safety
The petition emerges during a period of profound grief and frustration for the neighborhood. Thirty days have passed since the tragic disaster at the facility operated by Prime Waste Solutions, yet local authorities appear to be considering additional industrial waste projects for the same location. Instead of supporting new infrastructure, petitioners are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the January 8 landslide that caused so much loss.
Their formal plea has been directed to multiple officials, including Barangay Captain Vivian Ruste, Mayor Nestor Archival, the Cebu City Council, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Former barangay councilor Daisy Ybañez highlighted that while the campaign originated in Sitio Santa Ana and Binaliw Uno Proper, support is rapidly expanding. Residents from neighboring areas like Agsungot and Panoypoy in Consolacion are also preparing to join the movement.
Rising Tensions Over Waste Management Plans
The immediate catalyst for this protest was a recent statement from Barangay Captain Ruste, who expressed openness to hosting a waste-to-energy facility if specific conditions were met. This followed a proposal by Councilor Pastor Alcover to build such a facility at the current landfill site. For grieving residents, this timing feels disrespectful to those who perished, arguing that Binaliw has already borne an excessive burden from the city's garbage challenges.
The petition explicitly references the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, also known as Republic Act 9003, urging authorities to pursue zero-waste solutions instead of incineration methods that could introduce new pollution and health risks. The community's stance reflects deep concerns about environmental justice and public safety.
Historical Context of Community Resistance
This is not the first instance of Cebu City facing opposition to waste-to-energy proposals. A previous project by NewSky Energy Philippines encountered years of resistance from residents in Barangay Guba, who voiced worries about potential health hazards. That plan was ultimately withdrawn in November 2025 after sustained community pressure.
Despite this precedent, city officials continue to view Binaliw as a potential solution for managing urban waste, leading to renewed conflict with local inhabitants who feel their voices are being ignored.
Not a Sacrifice Zone: A Powerful Community Message
The petition employs strong language to convey the community's exhaustion and determination. While we acknowledge your statement that you are open to hosting a WTE facility provided certain conditions are met, we believe that Binaliw has already suffered more than enough from waste-related disasters and environmental risks, the document states. It further argues that the barangay has unfairly shouldered the city's environmental burdens, declaring unequivocally: Barangay Binaliw should not be treated as a sacrifice zone for Cebu City's waste problems.
Next Steps and Ongoing Advocacy
By Sunday afternoon, organizers had already collected over 100 signatures, with plans to continue the drive before formally submitting their demands to City Hall. The critical question now is whether Mayor Archival and the City Council will heed the call to close the landfill or proceed with the waste-to-energy proposal. As of now, Barangay Captain Ruste has declined to comment on the campaign opposing her position.
This community-led initiative represents a significant moment in Cebu City's ongoing struggle with waste management, highlighting the tension between municipal needs and local environmental justice. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar issues are addressed in urban areas across the Philippines.
