The private company contracted to collect garbage in Cagayan de Oro City has vowed to clear the city of uncollected trash within three days.

In a Facebook post by the City Information Office (CIO), the company’s management assured that it is taking steps in addressing the ongoing garbage collection problem.

The local government, through the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) and other departments, summoned the garbage contractor to shed light on the disruption in garbage collection since the 2025 midterm elections.

The company’s operations manager reportedly told city officials that they are working to resolve the issue with the support of the city government and private partners.

The city has been experiencing a surge in uncollected garbage over the past week due to collection delays.

However, the contractor assured that the situation will be addressed and normalized by May 22, 2025.

Meanwhile, Councilor Imee Moreno expressed her dismay over the continued garbage problem in the city.

She also questioned the status of the city’s 10-year solid waste management plan from 2014 to 2024 and the performance of the garbage contractor.

“Unsay status sa atong contractor? Our contractor cannot deliver services that we paid for nga naggahin ang city government og P300 million kada tuig nga budget para sa ilaha, buot pasabot there is something wrong,” Moreno said.

Councilor Roger Abaday, chairman of the Committee on Environment, blamed residents for posting photos of uncollected garbage on social media.

“Atong naobserbahan nga especially kining gipang post diha sa social media… kanang mga daan nga mga basura ilang picturan unya ibalik-balik rana sa social media just to impose issues sa atong gobyerno,” Abada said.

However, Councilor Joey Abbu disagreed, saying the pictures circulating online reflect real and ongoing concerns.

“Councilor Abaday with all due respect I’d like to beg to disagree that the pictures circulating around social media are just recycled because even if you go to personally now daghan pa man gyud og basura,” Abbu said.

Abaday added that the local government will strictly enforce the “No segregation, No collection” policy starting June 1.

The issue on garbage collection has since been referred to the Committee on Environment.