Photo credit: DPWH

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon went straight to the frontlines on Thursday, inspecting ongoing operations at the still-burning Navotas Sanitary Landfill as the government ramps up efforts to finally put the fire out.

The blaze, which has been raging for several days, has already affected nearby communities in Navotas, Malabon, and Obando, Bulacan—prompting urgent action from national agencies.

Dizon said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has stepped in to provide additional support, following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure all necessary resources are mobilized.

Heavy equipment deployed

To help contain and suppress the fire, the DPWH has deployed heavy equipment to the site, including backhoes, bulldozers, and dredgers.

These machines are being used to manage the landfill, control the spread of the fire, and assist local responders who have been battling the blaze for days.

The goal, Dizon emphasized, is clear: to fully extinguish the fire as quickly as possible and prevent further harm to surrounding communities.

Communities feeling the impact

The ongoing fire has already taken a toll on residents in nearby areas, with concerns ranging from air quality to safety risks.

With multiple cities affected, coordination between national agencies and local governments has become critical in managing the situation.

Dizon’s visit signals a more aggressive push from the national government to support Navotas and nearby areas, as efforts intensify to bring the landfill fire under control.

For now, all eyes are on the ground operations—where heavy machinery, manpower, and coordination will play a key role in ending the crisis.