Quezon city: Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla on Monday acknowledged that the tragic incident involving the Binaliw landfill in Cebu on January 8, which resulted in the death of 36 people, has served as an eye-opener for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This has prompted the agency to initiate a nationwide review of landfill safety measures.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a media briefing held at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act in Quezon City on Tuesday, Lotilla emphasized the need for accountability following the incident. He expressed the importance of learning from this tragedy, stating, "It is a tragic one, and we have to find meaning and lessons to derive from this incident. We cannot let 36 people die and not do anything about it. We have to address these problems soon."
Lotilla confirmed leadership changes within the DENR's office in Region 7 (Central Visayas) to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The changes include appointing a new Regional Executive Director and a new Environmental Management Bureau director in Region 7 to reinforce the region's environmental oversight and safety measures.
Recognizing potential broader systemic risks highlighted by the Binaliw incident, Lotilla has ordered an immediate nationwide inspection of all operating sanitary landfills. He instructed all regional offices to strictly enforce environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) and safety protocols to identify potential hazards early and implement corrective measures proactively.
Furthermore, Lotilla clarified that the reshuffle in Central Visayas should not be perceived as a final conclusion on accountability. A formal investigation is ongoing, with a multi-sectoral committee established to identify lapses and other concerns related to the tragedy.
Lotilla stressed the importance of addressing short-term solutions for Cebu's garbage problem. He highlighted the urgency of tackling long-standing weaknesses in solid waste management and emphasized that the responsibility lies not only with the government but also with individuals and households in managing everyday waste.
DENR data indicates that as of September 2025, there are 373 operational sanitary landfills in the Philippines, covering 709 local government units (LGUs).
