Emano cites lapses in garbage collection, barangay coordination

During last week’s joint committee of the committees on environment, health, nutrition and health insurance, barangay affairs, and laws and rules, Councilor Yvy Emano raised concerns over Tencil’s failure to collect garbage in certain areas, questioning the firm’s operational readiness despite its claimed contingency resources.

Emano recalled Tencil Manager Jermie Danuco’s earlier statement that out of 65 trucks, 45 were operational and 10 were designated for emergencies.

She asked whether the 10 trucks were mobilized specifically for emergency clean-up efforts.

Danuco affirmed this and explained that these trucks, along with additional personnel, are deployed during shortages, sometimes doing 2–3 trips a day to fill gaps.

The councilor pressed further on accountability, citing a previous statement by Mr. Armen Cuenca, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office head, that Tencil workers failed to report for duty after the election period and asked who should be held responsible.

Danuco admitted it was a management issue on Tencil’s part, but claimed they addressed it by reallocating manpower.

Emano also mentioned that while some barangays practice segregation, only residual waste is being collected, leaving biodegradables behind.

Cuenca clarified that while barangays are mandated to process recyclables and biodegradables, many lack composting areas. As a workaround, CLENRO began collecting biodegradables in 2019, which are processed into soil conditioners for distribution.

However, Emano emphasized that the contract between the city and Tencil specifies the collection of solid waste—not just residuals.

Cuenca responded that although the contract mentions “municipal solid waste,” the law (RA 9003) restricts landfill disposal to residuals only. Nonetheless, mixed garbage is still collected when left uncollected for at least three days to prevent health hazards.

With this, the lady councilor urged clearer guidelines for barangays and better oversight by the city government. (JAOclarit/SP)