Mayor Gasataya Deploys New Garbage Collector I-SWIMS

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, in coordination with the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), has taken a decisive step toward strengthening the city’s solid waste management system after formally signing a contract with a new private garbage collector consortium.

“We are very hopeful that challenges with regard to our garbage problem will be resolved,” Gasataya stressed during the ceremonial contract signing held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

The contract was awarded to a consortium composed of International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists, Inc. (I-SWIMS), D.C. Sandil Construction and Realty Development, Inc., and San Igmedio Builders Incorporated. The group is led by Engr. Dennis Sandil as consortium president, with Amil Sandil serving as corporate secretary and Joel, Mario, and Kenneth Sandil as operations heads.

The project includes a ₱327.9-million contract for garbage collection, hauling, and disposal, as well as a separate ₱109,000,800 contract for environmental and sanitary services, which covers the operation and maintenance of the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa. The contracts will run from January to December 2026.

As operations begin, I-SWIMS, in coordination with BENRO, expressed confidence that the garbage backlog will be significantly reduced within the week.

“We expect a total clean-up,” the mayor said, assuring the public that innovative measures are being implemented to address the weeklong garbage backlog left by the former contractor during the holiday season.

“We are here looking for innovations and ways to solve our problems in the city,” he added.

During the ceremonial send-off, Engr. Sandil showcased the consortium’s operational capacity, presenting at least 60 units of heavy equipment, including garbage trucks and compactors, which will be deployed across Bacolod.

“It’s a big challenge considering the backlog. I even brought our whole family here to face the challenge, and we can handle it,” Sandil said as he appealed for public cooperation in proper waste disposal.

“Despite having the equipment and experience, the best solution is cooperation between the local government and the people. If everyone follows the proper waste disposal schedule, there will be no leftovers,” he added.

I-SWIMS currently serves 18 local government units nationwide, including Bacolod City, and is eyeing further expansion in nearby LGUs in Negros Occidental.* (BCCO text & photos)