Bukidnon: The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 10 (Northern Mindanao) recognized Bukidnon province as the most compliant with Republic Act (RA) 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, EMB-10 Director Reynaldo Digamo Jr. noted in an interview that compared to other provinces, Bukidnon only has one local government unit (LGU) that does not have a sanitary landfill of its own. He stated that out of the 93 municipalities in Northern Mindanao, only 40 have sanitary landfills either operational or under construction.

Digamo highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure in many barangays, particularly the absence of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). Under RA 9003, all LGUs are required to establish a Solid Waste Management Board.

Meanwhile, Digamo suggested that the LGU in Bukidnon, through its City Council, could serve as a model for other LGUs by establishing a proposed Solid Waste Management Department through an ordinance. Second District City Councilor Eric Salcedo, who proposed the measure, acknowledged the significant challenges faced by barangays in fulfilling their RA 9003 responsibilities, especially concerning land allocation for MRFs and acquiring necessary waste management equipment.

Salcedo emphasized the need for the city government to take initiative. "If barangays cannot identify sites for MRFs or lack the funds for garbage trucks, then the city must step in through a dedicated department," he said.