Pending the issuance of a notice of award, Mayor Greg Gasataya will formalize an agreement with a new private garbage collector after the Bacolod City council approved his request to sign separate service contracts for the city’s solid waste management project during a special session yesterday, December 29.
The council greenlit the contracts for a consortium made up of International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists, Inc. (ISWIM), D.C. Sandil Construction and Realty Development, Inc., and San Igmedio Builders Incorporated.
The project includes a P327.9 million contract for garbage collection, hauling and disposal, plus a separate P109,000,800 contract for environmental and sanitary services — including operation and maintenance of the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa. The new contract is set to run from January to December 2026.
Gasataya said the request was “urgent and crucial to ensure the continuity of garbage collection services and to sustain the city’s cleanliness and environmental protection efforts.”
Councilors Caesar Distrito and Celia Flor expressed anticipation for improved service delivery, citing the consortium’s commitment to deploy 60 new garbage trucks and compactors.
“We expect a total clean-up and a more responsive contractor, especially in addressing the clamor brought about by issues with the previous service provider,” Distrito said.
“We want better services because the public deserves better when it comes to solid waste management,” Flor added.
Pre-procurement by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) began on November 24, 2025. IPM-CDC, initially the lowest calculated bidder for the collection and disposal component, was disqualified following post-qualification proceedings on December 19, 2025.
According to the BAC, IPM-CDC allegedly refused to undergo post-qualification evaluation and failed to refute the committee’s findings, including deficiencies in the submission of proof of ownership of hauling equipment.
The BAC recommended awarding the contract to ISWIM — the second lowest bidder — on December 26, 2025.
As the city prepares for the transition, office-in-charge of the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office Atty. Allyn Luv Dignadice voiced optimism about a new transfer station the consortium will operate in Barangay Cabug, which aims to “minimize downtime and speed up regular garbage collection and disposal 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 show ISWIM, a Manila-based firm, has served 17 local government units and operates several sanitary landfills in Luzon. (Bacolod City Communications Office)