Barangay Handumanan in the City of Bacolod launched its pilot “No Segregation, No Collection” policy on November 6, covering Puroks 1 to 6 and approximately 700 to 800 households.
Supported by the city government, the initiative aims to promote proper waste segregation and reduce the volume of garbage sent to the landfill.
During the initial phase, no penalties will be imposed as officials prioritize public education and compliance. However, garbage that is not properly segregated will not be collected.
The barangay will deploy one dump truck, two collection carts, and more than 20 personnel to implement the program.
Mona Dia Jardin, the mayor's executive assistant for environmental concerns and special programs, said biodegradable waste would be turned over to the Negros Economic Development Foundation Inc. (NEDF) for bokashi processing, which converts organic waste into material for soil conditioning.
Barangay Captain Ma. Febe Legaspi said the program had been a year in preparation, including information campaigns on Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which requires waste segregation at source.
Meanwhile, regular garbage collection through the Integrated Solid Waste Management and Information System (ISWIMS) will continue in the barangay's remaining puroks.
Mayor Greg Gasataya supports the pilot implementation, which will help identify challenges before possible expansion to other communities.
City and barangay officials are counting on residents' cooperation to make the program successful and build a cleaner, more sustainable community. (Source of report: The Daily Guardian. Photo credit: Bacolod City Communications Office)
