Mayor Greg Gasataya on Thursday signed the service contracts and issued notices of award to a Luzon-based consortium for the city’s almost PHP437 million solid waste management program, covering the period Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026.

“We start our work this 2026 immediately by addressing one of the biggest concerns of our people – garbage collection. We are very hopeful that challenges with regard to our garbage problem will now be resolved,” the mayor said after the signing ceremony held at his office at the Government Center.

The consortium is composed of International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc. (ISWIMS), D.C. Sandil Construction and Realty Development Inc., and San Igmedio Builders Inc.

Gasataya signed the service contracts with consortium corporate secretary Amie Sandil, in the presence of consortium president Dennis Sandil, and Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office head Allyn Luv Dignadice.

After the ceremonial signing, Sandil presented the consortium’s operational capacity, including at least 60 units of heavy equipment, such as garbage trucks and compactors, to start the clean-up of the city’s remaining garbage from 2025.

“It’s a big challenge considering the backlog. Despite having the equipment and experience, the best solution is cooperation between the local government and the people,” he said.

The service contracts include PHP327.9 million for garbage collection, hauling, and disposal; and PHP109 million for environmental and sanitary services, including the operation and maintenance of the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.

“We ask for the support and cooperation of everyone in maintaining the cleanliness of our surroundings. With our united efforts, we can definitely have a cleaner Bacolod City,” Gasataya said. (PNA)