FROM initially three groups, the number of interested investors who submitted proposals for a waste-to-energy facility in Iloilo City has swelled to 16.

They have expressed interest to put up the environmental technology at Calahunan Engineered Sanitary Landfill in Mandurriao district.

The proposals will undergo scrutiny by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

Mayor Jerry Treñas sought the expertise of the PPP Center for the establishment of a waste-to-energy project similar to initiatives in Manila and Quezon cities to solve street eyesores and stinking woes.

They already visited the metropolis in August to discuss concerns and conduct site inspection.

They also conducted orientation workshop with the City Hall's PPP Selection Committee and Technical Working Group to capacitate them.

Treñas has brought up with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources the idea if the smoky mountain can be mined to be used as fuel in the process. (PR)