By Leonardo Micua
Waste segregation has become imperative for Dagupan.
As I was writing this column, the Dagupan City government has just concluded its talks with businessmen to remind them about the urgency of implementing total waste segregation in their establishments.
It occurred to me that Mayor Belen Fernandez’s urgent call for thorough waste segregation in every household and business establishment in Dagupan City should  not be taken lightly. This call goes beyond a mere policy reminder from the highest official of the city; it touches upon environmental survival, public health, and our shared responsibility.
Dagupan, with approximately 180,000 residents, is at a crossroads, given the fact that the city no longer has a dumpsite, unlike before.
 For years, waste management was neglected, with garbage disposed of haphazardly, left to rot, and nobody ever cared. That practice has ended. We must convey that the absence of a dumpsite does not signify governance failure; it reflects a courageous and necessary environmental choice.
Under Mayor Fernandez’s leadership, the long-standing dumpsite near the Lingayen Gulf was finally closed—a feat that eluded many mayors before her. This facility had long posed a severe risk to marine life, coastal communities, and the ecological balance. Its proximity to the sea meant that toxic runoff could easily contaminate coastal waters, threatening fisheries and public health.
However, shutting a dumpsite is merely the first step. The real challenge lies in managing waste responsibly, avoiding a return to harmful practices.
The city government has introduced a clear and effective system. Segregated waste will be collected using color-coded trucks, ensuring proper handling of biodegradable, recyclable, and residual waste right from the outset.
This waste will then be transferred to larger vehicles for transport to the sanitary landfill in Urdaneta City. This approach is not only designed for efficient waste management but also aims to minimize the volume of garbage that reaches landfills.
Waste segregation isn’t an imposition; it’s a simple habit that yields lasting benefits.It is because when biodegradable waste is separated, it can be composted; recyclables can be repurposed; and residual waste—the smallest fraction if done correctly—can be managed more safely.
The city’s waste management division, headed by Bernard Cabison, is poised to play a vital role in implementing this system. With effective coordination, adequate staff, and timely collection schedules, a reliable waste management framework can soon function effectively across Dagupan’s barangays. However, no well-structured system can succeed without active participation from the community it serves.
The transformation of the former Bonuan dumpsite into a tree park and recreational area illustrates the possible achievements through responsible governance and community collaboration. Once a site of pollution and environmental hazard, it is now envisioned as a green space that will enhance air quality and public well-being.
With this move, we hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful Dagupan. It is not an unattainable ideal—it is within reach, but only if everyone contributes.