Despite regular Friday garbage collection, piles of trash continue to appear along the road in Barangay Anolid, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, causing barangay officials to take stricter action against illegal dumpers.

Without CCTV cameras in the area, identifying violators has been difficult. To address the problem, the barangay has deployed barangay watchmen on shifting schedules to monitor the site.

“One to six may nakabantay diyan, tapos may shifting ng seven to one — iba naman ang naka-deploy diyan,” Barangay Councilman Bartolome de Vera said.

Barangay officials also joined clean-up drives and posted warning signs that prohibit dumping. Those caught throwing garbage along the road will face fines ranging from P500 to P1,000.

Still, the problem persists.

“Kakatapos namin maghakot, mayroon na naman marami na kaya hindi tama,” De Vera said.

Some residents believe outsiders are responsible for the illegal dumping.

“Mabaho kasi kapag dumadaan kami diyan, at saka may schedule ng paghahakot. Dapat ‘yung time lang na ‘yun sila magtapon,” Marlon Lambino, a resident, said.

Barangay officials are appealing to the public to dispose of their garbage properly and follow the scheduled collection to keep the community clean.