Residents Calling for Dumpsite Closure Enters Second Day of Protest

Baguio City – Heavy rains and cold wind did not prevent protesting residents from barricading the main entrance of dump facility in Irisan Barangay. The protest action is now on its second day and it may continue indefinitely until local officials resolve the matter with urgency.

The anticipation of fear enveloping the residents of what might happen to the mountain high garbage had inevitably occurred. This, after one residence was almost buried when large portion of garbage eroded because of continued heavy rains early this morning (July 15, 2008) local time. The affected residents are afraid of continuing danger if the open dumpsite remains in operation.

This is what city officials failed to consider for years. They just let the problem goes out of hand. The dumpsite is now over its maximum capacity and continues to pile up high like a man made mountain ready to cause damage or destroy lives and properties in the neighborhoods.  

Limited actions were taken by past and present local officials on the garbage problem issue. All they could do is to circumvent the law until the day had come when affected residents began to barricade the gate of dump facility to block garbage trucks from entering the premises to unload city and residential wastes.

Because of this, uncollected garbage is seen all over the place especially in central business district like the famed Session Road which is undergoing facelift in preparation for the city’s centennial celebration next year. Dismayed pedestrians could only express disgust as they pass through the American inspired road bedecked with banners asking locals to bear with the ongoing project.