BACOLOD CITY — Despite the issuance of notices of violation, the City Government of Bacolod continues to implement measures to ensure compliance with environmental laws and requirements for the operation of the city’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.

This was emphasized by City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo during a public hearing Thursday, August 20, 2026, facilitated by the Environmental Management Bureau–Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) for the expansion project involving Cell No. 4 of the sanitary landfill.

The hearing was attended by representatives of civic groups, environmental organizations, barangay officials, and key city departments. The public hearing forms part of the requirements for the city’s application for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Mayo clarified that when Cell No. 4 was constructed in May 2024, the city engaged a private contractor, International Property Management (IPM), whose contract included the obligation to secure the necessary licenses and permits, including the conversion of the land classification from agricultural to mixed-use.

He said the requirement was only complied with during the administration of Mayor Greg Gasataya as part of the requirements for the ECC application, in line with the mayor’s commitment to improve the condition of the sanitary landfill.

This step will subsequently allow the city to fulfill the requirements for Cell No. 5’s ECC. The EMB-NIR issued a Notice of Violation dated August 10, 2026 against the Bacolod LGU for alleged violations of Republic Act 9275, or the Philippine Clean Water Act, concerning water discharged from the landfill, as well as Presidential Decree 1586, or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, for the operation of Cells No. 4 and 5 without prior issuance of an ECC.

The EMB-NIR has given the city 15 days to submit its position paper pending the agency’s decision. Mayo explained that engineering measures have been undertaken at the landfill since January 2026, following the engagement of the new private garbage collection and landfill management contractor, International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists, Inc. (ISWIMS), to address compliance requirements.

“Rest assured that we will comply to resolve and rectify what needs to be corrected, and we are ready at all costs, whatever the result will be,” Mayo stressed.

Mayo earlier announced that Cell No. 5 is currently in operation after Cell No. 4 reached full capacity. While awaiting the EMB-NIR’s decision, other concerns raised during the hearing, particularly those involving odor and road safety, are also being addressed as part of the city administration’s commitment to improving solid waste management and maintaining a cleaner and safer environment.(BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)