The Bacolod City Council has granted Mayor Greg Gasataya the authority to enter into a major contract for the city's garbage collection and disposal services for the coming year, marking a significant shift in its solid waste management strategy.
Council Approves Major Contracts in Special Session
In a special session held on Monday, December 29, 2025, the council approved the mayor's urgent request to sign two critical agreements. The primary contract is valued at P327,900,000 and covers the collection, hauling, and disposal of garbage for Calendar Year 2026. A second contract for P109,000,800 was also approved for environmental and sanitary services, which includes the operation and maintenance of the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, the body's floor leader, explained that the special session was necessary to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential waste management services as the city transitions into the new year. The new service provider is a consortium comprising International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists, Inc. (ISWIM), D.C. Sandil Construction and Realty Development, Inc., and San Igmedio Builders Incorporated.
Expectations for Improved Service and Contractor Transition
With the contract set to run from January to December 2026, city officials are anticipating a marked improvement in garbage collection. Councilor Distrito highlighted the consortium's commitment to deploy 60 new garbage trucks and compactors, which is expected to lead to a "total clean-up." He emphasized the desire for a more responsive contractor, particularly in light of public dissatisfaction with the previous service provider.
Councilor Celia Flor echoed this sentiment, stating that the public deserves better solid waste management services. The transition follows a contentious bidding process where the initial lowest bidder, IPM–CDC, was disqualified. The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) reported that the firm was disqualified after allegedly refusing a post-qualification evaluation on December 19, 2025.
IPM–CDC President Isabelita Mercado contested this in a letter dated December 23, 2025, denying that her company refused access to the BAC team. Despite a request for a rescheduled evaluation, the BAC denied the motion, citing unresolved deficiencies in the submission of documents, including proof of ownership for hauling equipment.
Optimism for More Efficient Waste Management
As Bacolod prepares for the handover, city environment officials are optimistic about the new setup. Officer-in-Charge of the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), Atty. Allyn Luv Dignadice, expressed hope for more efficient services. She pointed to the planned establishment of a transfer station in Barangay Cabug to be operated by the consortium, which aims to minimize downtime and speed up collection 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 indicate that the lead firm, ISWIM, is a Manila-based company with experience serving 17 local government units and managing several sanitary landfills in Luzon.
Mayor Greg Gasataya stressed the urgency and crucial nature of the approval, stating it was vital to ensure the continuity of garbage collection and to sustain the city's cleanliness and environmental protection initiatives.
