Bacolod City welcomed the new year with a new garbage collection service provider tasked to strengthen its solid waste management system.
This, after Mayor Greg Gasataya signed a contract with a new private garbage collector consortium to take on the waste collection backlog left by the former contractor and ensure a clean city for Bacolodnons throughout 2026.
The consortium is composed of International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists, Inc. (ISWIM), D.C. Sandil Construction and Realty Development Inc., and San Igmedio Builders Incorporated.
“We are very hopeful that challenges concerning our garbage problem will be resolved,” Gasataya said during the ceremonial contract signing on January 1 at the Bacolod City Government Center.
The contract with the city government includes P327.9 million for garbage collection, hauling and disposal, and another P109 million for environmental and sanitary services covering the operation and maintenance of the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.
With operations ongoing, the mayor assured Bacolodnons that necessary measures aimed at addressing the City’s garbage concerns are being implemented.
“We expect a total clean-up,” he said, noting the city government’s dedication to keeping clean and safe communities.
In a ceremonial send-off of assets and resources, the consortium showed its operational capacity, comprising 60 units of heavy equipment, including garbage trucks and compactors.
While consortium president Engineer Dennis Sandil expressed confidence in their group’s equipment and experience, he stressed that following proper waste disposal is another key element in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness.
“[The] best solution is cooperation between the local government and the people. If everyone follows the proper waste disposal schedule, there will be no leftovers,” Sandil said.
ISWIM currently operates in 18 local government units nationwide, including Bacolod City, and intends to expand operations in other LGUs in Negros Occidental. (PIA Negros Occidental)