Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is a city that impacts everyone, from its local residents to business owners and tourists. However, one persistent problem affects all of us—streets littered with unsegregated trash. This issue harms public health by attracting pests, spreading diseases, and polluting the air and waterways. Overflowing garbage also clogs drainage systems, causing floods during heavy rains, particularly in low-income areas. These communities face even greater risks, as they often lack the resources to recover quickly from such disasters. Beyond that, unsegregated waste tarnishes the city’s natural beauty, discouraging tourists and investors who could help boost CDO’s economy.  

The truth is, we all know waste segregation is already a policy in CDO. Barangays have rules about separating biodegradable, recyclable, and residual waste. Yet, many Filipinos do not follow these guidelines properly. Instead of sorting trash at home, people still mix it all together. Some even dump garbage on streets, rivers, or vacant lots, ignoring the designated collection schedules. This lack of discipline and awareness creates a growing problem that the city cannot handle alone.  

If poor waste segregation practices continue, the consequences will be severe. Overflowing landfills, like the one in Upper Dagong, will expand faster, requiring more land and resources to manage. Clean-up operations will demand higher budgets, money that could be spent on schools, healthcare, or infrastructure instead. Unsegregated waste will continue to pollute waterways, harming marine life and reducing clean water sources for future generations. Worst of all, public health will suffer, with more people exposed to diseases caused by garbage mismanagement.  

But there is hope. If the people of CDO take waste segregation seriously, the city could transform into a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable place to live. Separating biodegradable waste allows it to be composted and returned to the soil, enriching urban gardens and reducing landfill waste. Recyclable materials can support local recycling industries, creating jobs and reducing the demand for raw materials. Proper segregation also protects natural resources, as less waste ends up polluting rivers and forests.  

More than these practical benefits, adopting better waste management practices could instill a sense of pride in the community. Imagine a CDO where streets are clean, drainage systems function properly, and visitors leave impressed by the city’s orderliness. It would boost tourism and attract more investors, further improving the lives of the people here.  

Everyone has a role to play in solving this problem. Households can start by taking segregation seriously, teaching children the importance of managing waste properly. Schools and businesses can implement stricter policies on trash management and raise awareness among students and employees. The government must continue enforcing waste collection schedules, fining violators, and supporting recycling programs.  

CDO has so much potential to become a model city for sustainability, but it requires action from everyone. Without change, the cycle of waste mismanagement will continue, straining resources and endangering the health of our community. However, with simple daily efforts and a commitment to following existing rules, we can create a brighter, cleaner future for all. It’s time to act now, before it’s too late.