Bacolod to penalize litterbugs as flood control measure
Published Aug 20, 2025 04:27 pm
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya warned that the city government will go after litterbugs to instill discipline and support flood control efforts in this highly-urbanized city.
Gasataya reiterated the city’s firm stance on enforcing City Ordinance No. 531, Series of 2011, or the Anti-Littering Ordinance, warning that violators will be apprehended and penalized.
BANAGO River in Bacolod City is cleared of garbage and other waste materials as part of the city’s flood control efforts. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
“It’s about time we truly implement the ordinance. We cannot just rely on cleanups forever,” he said.
The ordinance prohibits littering in public areas, waterways, and recreational zones. Violators can be fined P500 for the first offense and P1,000 for succeeding offenses, with not more than 15 days of community service.
While penalties are in place, Gasataya emphasized that enforcement should be the last resort. “This is a call for everyone to take responsibility. Even without penalties, everyone should do their share in keeping the city clean,” he said.
Gasataya has met the City Legal Office (CLO) and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) to discuss the ordinance’s full implementation.
A two-week Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign will be conducted, tapping barangay captains, environment committee heads, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons to ensure barangay-level enforcement. “This isn’t just the city’s responsibility,” Gasataya stressed.
Barangay officials will be empowered to monitor illegal dumping, especially in flood-prone areas and rivers like Banago and Mandalagan. No separate task force is needed as both CLO and BENRO will handle apprehensions.
Gasataya said that the barangay is also allowed to implement and apprehend violators if necessary.
The mayor said that they are aiming to implement this before the MassKara Festival in October. He noted that barangays need to step up and use their Solid Waste Management Funds effectively. The city plans to showcase best practices from model barangays to inspire replication across others.
For now, the city will focus on enforcing existing ordinances while considering future amendments to strengthen waste management policies.
Based on recent surveys conducted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), City Planning Office, and City Engineering Office, northern barangays—including Bata, Mandalagan, Banago, and coastal zones—have been identified as flood-prone and prioritized for river clearing operations, according to Gasataya.
Before further interventions, the city will conduct evaluations using engineering assessments to determine how much silt must be removed from each river system.
In a forward-looking initiative, Gasataya proposed the use of “G-App,” a digital platform aimed at transforming this city’s waste management system. This app includes real-time GPS tracking of garbage collection vehicles, enhancing operational efficiency, and reducing fuel and service gaps.
Gasataya emphasized the urgency of adopting technology-based solutions to promote a cleaner and greener Bacolod.