Mexico, Pampanga – To address the worsening situation at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Barangay Suclaban, which is reportedly overflowing with rotting garbage, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Mexico conducted a legislative inquiry.
During the hearing chaired by Municipal Councilor Rex De Leon Calma, it was revealed that the facility, intended to manage the town’s waste, is allegedly being misused. Reports suggest that while the LGU is unable to transport its garbage to the Kalangitan landfill in Capas, some enterprising LGU employees are allegedly accepting waste from other areas outside Mexico and dumping it at the Suclaban MRF for a fee.
Josephine Dimacali Hauling Services, the LGU-Mexico-authorized private hauler for collecting garbage from Lakeshore, was brought up during the hearing. A village manager revealed that their monthly dues were doubled this year to ₱30,000 to cover transport costs to a landfill in Porac, following the shutdown of the Suclaban MRF. They are unable to change haulers as the arrangement was imposed by the LGU with an endorsement from Mayor Ruding Gonzales. The homeowners’ association was also forced to purchase their own garbage truck. Additionally, it was mentioned during the hearing that Dimacali is reportedly collecting garbage not only from Mexico but also from nearby localities outside its jurisdiction, with the waste being dumped at the Mexico MRF.
Residents and barangay officials have called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) to investigate the matter. They are demanding immediate action to address the health and environmental hazards caused by the facility’s improper waste management.
The decomposing garbage at the MRF poses significant risks to public health and the environment, including potential air and water pollution, increased prevalence of diseases, and pest infestations.
The SB will resume its investigation next week to hold those responsible accountable and to implement measures to prevent further misuse of the facility.
Residents of Barangay Suclaban and nearby communities are urgently seeking resolution to the garbage crisis and compliance with proper waste management regulations.