City warns public vs fake garbage collectors soliciting cash

BAGUIO CITY — The city government has renewed its warning to the public against individuals posing as garbage collectors and soliciting money under false pretenses, particularly during the holiday season.

Assistant General Services Officer Margie Della issued the advisory following inquiries and complaints from residents who reported being asked for cash contributions supposedly intended for a Christmas party for city garbage collectors.

Della clarified that any solicitation made in the name of the city’s garbage collectors is unauthorized and has not been sanctioned by the General Services Office (GSO).

“Our garbage collectors have clear instructions not to solicit in any form. They are strictly prohibited from asking for cash or gifts from the public, especially during the holiday season,” Della said.

She urged residents to refuse such requests and immediately report incidents to the GSO, noting that some individuals exploit the perceived low status of waste collection work to gain sympathy and illegally collect money.

Della emphasized that the city provides compensation to its waste workers, including volunteer waste pickers, some of whom have already been absorbed as job order employees.

She also appealed to the public to cooperate in maintaining proper waste management by segregating garbage, securely packaging trash, and following the prescribed collection schedules.

The GSO currently employs around 60 regular waste collectors, supported by approximately 140 volunteer waste pickers.

Together, they manage an average daily waste output of about 550 tons, a figure that rises significantly during peak tourism months.