Cagayan de Oro City is a dynamic urban hub in Northern Mindanao with great potential for progress. Yet, an enduring issue casts a shadow over its reputation—the pervasive problem of garbage management. Despite the city allocating over ₱300 million budget for Solid Waste Disposal for the year 2025, residents across barangays frequently complain about uncollected garbage. This neglect leaves trash piling up along street corners, scavenging animals spreading waste, and a proliferation of foul odors and health risks in many neighborhoods.
While it’s easy to fault the City Government or the contractor tasked with garbage collection, a deeper look reveals shared culpability and, more importantly, the pressing need for collective action.
The Role of Discipline Among Citizens
One glaring concern is the lack of adherence to waste collection schedules. Residents often place their trash outside on the wrong days, well outside the designated pick-up times. This leads to piles of waste accumulating for days, worsening the already chaotic state of the city’s garbage disposal system.
Moreover, proper garbage segregation—mandated by local policies—is rarely followed. Many residents ignore the requirement to separate biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable materials, further complicating collection efforts and undermining recycling initiatives. The result? Missed opportunities to reduce landfill waste and improve overall sanitation.
While pointing fingers at others may seem easier, the reality is this: true change starts with discipline. If Kagay-anons truly want a clean city, each individual must take personal responsibility to follow collection schedules, segregate waste, and ensure that garbage is disposed of properly.
Leadership with Political Will: A Critical Factor
While individual actions are vital, the leadership of Cagayan de Oro City must take center stage in tackling this issue. The City Government, along with its leaders, must demonstrate strong political will to enact lasting and effective solutions. This means going beyond allocating large budgets and instead implementing policies with unwavering conviction and consistency.
First, stricter enforcement of garbage policies is necessary. Violators—whether individuals who dump garbage at the wrong time or contractors who fail to meet their obligations—must face appropriate consequences. Lax enforcement not only sends a message of complacency but also emboldens others to neglect their responsibilities.
Second, leaders should champion sustainable programs such as educating communities on waste segregation and implementing penalties for noncompliance. However, these measures will only succeed if they are pursued persistently, even in the face of challenges. Without bold leadership willing to prioritize cleanliness, current efforts will remain superficial and unsustainable.
Finally, transparency and accountability must guide the government’s dealings with contractors. Residents deserve clarity on how the ₱20 million monthly budget is utilized and whether it’s yielding the desired outcomes. Leaders must demand performance from contractors, ensuring no barangay is overlooked and no trash remains uncollected. A regular assessment of their services and contracts is crucial to maintaining high standards.
A Collaborative Path Forward
A clean and thriving Cagayan de Oro will only be possible when citizens and leaders work together toward a shared vision. Residents must take ownership of their actions and adopt disciplined waste management practices, while leaders must act decisively and consistently to address systemic issues. It is this synergy—between strong political will and responsible citizenship—that will pave the way for long-term solutions.
As Kagay-anons, we must ask ourselves: Do we want to see real change, or are we content to complain without taking action? The future of our city rests in our hands, and it also calls upon our leaders to lead boldly, decisively, and with genuine commitment to solving this issue. With discipline from its people and steadfast leadership from its government, Cagayan de Oro has the potential to rise above this garbage crisis and shine as the City of Golden Friendship—and cleanliness.
