Navotas steps up landfill fire response amid tough terrain
By Trixee Rosel
Published Apr 30, 2026 12:19 pm
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Updated Apr 30, 2026 02:04 pm
Navotas sustains round-the-clock efforts to contain the landfill fire as challenging terrain hampers operations. (Photo courtesy of Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco/Facebook)
The Navotas City government has intensified efforts to contain the fire at the old landfill, with responders working round the clock despite difficult terrain slowing progress.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)–Japan Disaster Response Expert Team (JDR), in its exit briefing, identified the steep and uneven terrain of the landfill as a major technical challenge in fire suppression.
It also acknowledged the rapid mobilization and coordinated response of local and national agencies, which contributed to progress at the site.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) reported that air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Meycauayan, Bulacan remains within the “good to fair” range.
Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco said the local government is preparing additional operational teams to expand simultaneous response efforts, with plans to divide the landfill into four sections to improve coverage and efficiency.
Officials said soil covering operations were accelerated due to the arrival of additional backfill materials, increased deployment of dump trucks, and improved fuel supply, enabling continuous operations at the site.
Authorities added that despite persistent terrain-related challenges, strengthened coordination among government agencies and partner responders continues to support steady containment progress.