Updated: Dec 2, 2024
Proper waste management is crucial for building a sustainable city. It helps keep the environment clean, prevent pollution, and thereby safeguard public health. But for a highly urbanized city like Cagayan de Oro, waste management may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Under Section 219 of the 2015 Cagayan de Oro Revenue Code, there exists a provision exempting “private individuals and government entities within Cagayan de Oro City who voluntarily dispose of household garbage or refuse at the City’s Controlled Dumpsite using their own trucks, vans, or other vehicles and personnel” from paying disposal fees.
However, City Ordinance No. 13378-2018, known as the “Integrated Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro City” is in conflict with this provision, specifically Section 27 which introduces tipping fees for all private haulers, companies, and individuals who dispose of solid waste at the city’s sanitary landfill, intended to cover operational costs.
While the fees are designed to support the maintenance of the landfill, they have raised concerns among residents and businesses. For Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, these fees are a point of contention.
“It’s a fee that doesn’t seem to add up,” she notes, especially considering that many subdivisions, private entities, and even business establishments are already managing their own waste disposal, without any cost on the part of the government. These sectors have been diligent in maintaining proper waste management practices, yet are still being asked to shoulder additional costs for disposal at the city’s landfill.
This has prompted Vice Mayor Rodriguez to advocate for the repeal of Section 27 of the city ordinance, a stance she has maintained since her time as a councilor in 2022, and continues to do so now in her role as vice mayor.
Photo credits: Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez official Facebook page
Her proposal gained strong support from homeowners associations, business establishments, and concerned citizens, all of whom voiced their opposition to what they see as unnecessary and oppressive fees. They argue that they are already doing their part in keeping the city clean and should not be further penalized for managing their own waste.
VM Bebot believes that this move to repeal the tipping fees is a step toward a more balanced approach to waste management—one that encourages environmental responsibility without placing an unfair financial strain on people who play a part in keeping the city clean.
COUNCILOR Edgar S. Cabanlas is willing to discuss in his Committee of Urban & Rural Poor and Housing Development the concerns raised by Councilor Jose Pepe S. Abbu regarding the inventory and awarding process of the city’s socialized housing projects.
During the regular session of the 20th City Council presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Cabanlas acknowledged the difficulties and setbacks in implementing the housing initiatives; however, he emphasized that, despite challenges, the local government must continue its efforts.
"This is the most difficult program of the government. There are lapses and deficiencies," Cabanlas said, citing the lengthy and complex process involved in managing legal requirements, preparing the final list of beneficiaries, and processing the request for housing among residents who are victims of demolition and natural calamities.
He also addressed the issue of the lack of relocation sites for displaced families, despite the vacancy of some socialized housing units in the city which, according to Abbu, are unoccupied and dilapidated.
“This is a very complicated issue because every administration has its problems. Most of the time, the incumbent mayor inherits the problems of the past administrations,” Cabanlas remarked, saying that the housing problem is a generational issue.
He added that the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) is a new office; thus, prone to birth pains.
Cabanlas stated that he is drafting an ordinance that will give CHUDD more power to make its operation more efficient.
“.. (the urban poor and housing committee) accepts the referral,” Cabanlas concluded.
THE year 2024 is ending yet the promise of the city government, especially the City Agricultural Office, to support the 24 fisherfolk associations of the city with a livelihood program remains elusive.
This was how Councilor Christian Rustico Achas, chair of the committee on fisheries and aquatic resources, expressed his frustration over the local fisherfolk’s concern on the delayed implementation of the promised livelihood government program.
"I have been invited to meetings, turnovers, and functions a number of times to hear the concerns of our fisherfolk. However, their problem persists, and they are constantly promised solutions that never materialize," said Achas.
"Every time I preside committee meetings, I always respected the positions of resource persons and tried to be patient, but the same issues are discussed over and over again, but to no avail,” the councilor added.
It was learned that the City Agriculture Office fisheries division had earlier announced that the 24 local fisheries associations would receive ₱80,000 each in financial aid from the City on condition that they secure permits and accreditations.
This prompted the fishermen to secure loans to pay for the processing of their permits and registrations, which will soon expire even before the promised aid is released.
For Achas, the delay in delivering the livelihood assistance raises critical questions about the transparency and accountability of the local government.
With this, he urged the City Agriculture Office and all involved agencies to honor their commitments to the fisherfolk.
"To APOO and City Agriculture, … give your words a substance of truth and not elements of false hope,” Achas stated, challenging them to disclose the status of the livelihood program.
Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, who presided over the 104th regular session of the 20th City Council, referred the matter to the Committee on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Councilor Achas for appropriate action.