Waste-to-energy facility to rise in Tuba village

TUBA, Benguet -- Municipal officials here signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the private developer of a waste-to-energy facility worth $650 million.

Signing in behalf of Concord Pacific Investments Holdings Ltd. Inc. is the company’s president, Engr. Jose Utrillo, who announced the project will rise in a 50-hectare lot in Barangay San Pascual here.

Utrillo said the project, definitely not a landfill, can accommodate more or less 200 tons of waste in a daily basis.

He said the company will implement the identified priority projects requested by the barangay such as the delivery of agricultural irrigation system, establishment of potable water system, construction of tramlines, and construction of sports complex and pathways.

There will be a just compensation for the affected families, according to the company’s president.

No clear objections from the residents of San Pascual were noted that eventually impelled the barangay council to pass a resolution interposing no objection to the proposed waste management facility.

This resolution is critical to the signing of the MOA that will seal the commencement of the project.

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) provides the legal framework for the systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program of the Philippines, ensuring the protection of public health and the environment. It emphasizes the need to create the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, and imposes penalties for acts in violation of any of its provisions.

Tuba officials led by Mayor Florencio Bentrez, meanwhile, urged the project proponent to strictly comply with the provisions of the MOA and make good of their promise to the host community and municipal government. (JJ Landingin)