BACOLOD City – The city government here is reviewing City Ordinance No. 531, or the anti-littering ordinance, in a bid to strengthen efforts to stop the public from indiscriminately throwing garbage.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said yesterday, August 13, that his office is particularly looking into the ordinance’s penalty provisions to ensure stricter enforcement.
“Bisan ano namun ka pang limpyo, clearing, kag declogging, kung ang iban nagahaboy gihapon sang basura, iyawan guid kita sini,” he said, stressing the futility of cleanup efforts without public cooperation.
The move comes after the city observed that improper waste disposal continues despite ongoing solid waste management campaigns.
The city recently reported collecting thousands of kilos of garbage and several metric tons of silt from drainage systems and creeks during cleanup operations. These activities, officials said, are part of immediate measures to prevent flooding, especially during heavy rains.
While these cleanups have improved water flow, Gasataya admitted they are not a long-term solution.
“Until everyone takes responsibility for waste disposal, our drainage system will continue to suffer,” he said.
One critical flood-prone area, officials noted, is a portion of Barangay Banago, which serves as a collection point for waste from barangays Bata and Mandalagan. Even light rain reportedly causes flooding in the area.
Gasataya emphasized that penalties for littering must be strictly implemented to stop repeat violations.
“Indi pwede nga adlaw-adlaw kita mang limpyo kag pabay-an ang nagapanghaboy sang basura,” he said, appealing for public cooperation.
The mayor urged not only Bacolod residents but also visitors to the city to practice proper waste disposal, noting that everyone generates trash.
He added that cleanup operations will continue as part of the city’s broader environmental protection and flood mitigation strategy./PN
