Binaliw landslide: EcoWaste Coalition urges ‘people-centered’ waste solutions

Zero-waste advocates on Thursday called on the government to implement better, "people-centered" waste management solutions in the aftermath of the Binaliw landfill tragedy in Cebu.

In a statement, EcoWaste Coalition and other environmental advocates stressed the need for the local government to take accountability for the tragedy.

“What happened in Binaliw shows the real cost of relying on landfills. As long as we continue to treat waste as something to be buried, communities and workers will remain at risk. The local government must urgently shift to safe, ecological, and people-centered waste management solutions,” said Victor Sumampong of Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) during a solidarity event for the victims.

Advocates also conducted a solemn walk and candle-lighting activity to call for justice and accountability.

At least 22 people were killed when a landslide occurred at a landfill in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City last week. Search and rescue operations continue with 14 people still missing.

PHINLA-Cebu project coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition Angelique Legaspi also called for a zero-waste Sinulog Festival on February.

“Honoring Sto. Niño means protecting life and caring for our common home. A zero waste Sinulog is both possible and necessary—one that prioritizes waste reduction, bans single-use plastics, and promotes reuse, recycling, and composting,” she said. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News