THE recent holidays produced a 400 percent increase in the volume of garbage in Manila, made worse by the former garbage contractor’s abandonment of its obligation to collect and ensure a smooth transition as new contractors take its place.
“Ang kapabayaan ng nakaraang garbage collector ay aayusin natin kung kaya’t dalawa na po ngayon ang humahakot ng basura sa lungsod–ang Metrowaste at PhilEco, na ating inatasang linisin ang mga kalsada 24 oras araw-araw,” said Mayor Honey Lacuna, as she also vowed to hold Leonel Waste Management Corporation and others responsible for not collecting the garbage even if they were still under obligation under their contract with the city. Leonel’s services were employed during the time of the former administration under Isko Moreno.
“Ang nagdaang Pasko at Bagong Taon ay nagdulot ng 400% na pagtaas ng basura sa Maynila na tila iniwanan na lamang bigla ng dating contractor, ang Leonel. Dahil po dito, mariin kong iniutos ngayon sa ating mga bagong collectors ang tuloy-tuloy na paghakot ng basura—24/7 kung kinakailangan. Maglalagay rin po ang ating Department of Public Services at Task Force Against Road Obstruction ng hotlines para sa mga reklamo habang nasa transition period pa tayo,” Lacuna said.
She also stressed: “Makakaasa po kayong hindi ko palalampasin ang pananabotaheng ito at mananagot ang sinumang sangkot dito.”
In line with this, Lacuna said the city’s Department of Public Services and Task Force Against Road Obstruction has hotlines through which residents can report uncollected garbage.
It was learned that initially, PhilEco Systems Corporation, the new contractor responsible for Districts 4, 5, and 6, reported to city hall that last December 31, they deployed five garbage trucks to Altura Market, Trabaho Market, Paco Market, Dagonoy Market and major roads such as Lacson Avenue, Espana Boulevard, Magsaysay Blvd, and Old Sta. Mesa.
The said trucks reportedly made five trips to haul the piled-up garbage but PhilEco said their trucks’ trips were slowed down because of congested roads and the presence of vendors and scavengers that they even had to ask the city hall for assistance in clearing the roads going in and out of the public markets and surrounding areas.
In a separate development, Lacuna thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for having declared January 9, 2025 as a special non-working holiday. On said date, millions are expected to participate in the ‘Traslacion,’ the traditional procession which highlights the celeberation of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
“On behalf of all Manileños, especially all the Hesus Nazareno devotees, we thank President Marcos, Jr. for the said presidential proclamation, as this would enable devotees to participate in the festivities,” Lacuna said.
“Those who are not devotees can choose to take the rest day. Others can choose to report for work while also gaining the additional holiday pay rate. We urge everyone to help us ensure public safety, keep traffic flowing and share goodwill with others. I thank the Quiapo Church and Manila Archdiocese for the changes meant to make the festivities safe,” the mayor added.
