GOVERNOR Arthur Defensor Jr. graced the groundbreaking ceremony of the P308-million integrated waste management facility in Passi City, Iloilo Thursday, October 24.

Passi City inked a seven-year public-private partnership (PPP) with Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies Inc. (Best) under the IPM Group of Companies for the construction of a seven-hectare facility in Barangay Aglalana.

The facility can accommodate 200 tons of wastes daily and will cater to 28 towns in Iloilo.

Mayor Stephen Palmares said the construction and operation will be handled by the private firm. The city donated the lot as a counterpart. Construction will be in six months.

Once operational, Passi City will have an 18 percent share in the net income, as well as in the tipping fee.

“The tipping fee will still depend on the distance of the towns,” Palmares said.

Vice Mayor Jesry Palmares said the project is in compliance with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. At present, the city maintains a residual containment area in Barangay Agtabo for waste segregation.

He said it was also a result of the efforts of the past and present administration.

Best Inc. president Isabelita Paredes Mercado said the company joins Passi City in mitigating the effect of climate change.

“We can work together in minimizing the carbon footprint and helping ensure a livable Earth for the next generation,” she said.

Defensor lauded the project, saying it will assist other towns in complying with solid waste disposal.

“This is a good strategy to construct environmentally-friendly solid waste management facilities that could save other towns that have problems with waste disposal,” he said.

Defensor said it also complements the thrust of the Provincial Government on proper solid waste management.

The governor has sought the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in examining proposals for a waste-to-energy facility.

Also present during the groundbreaking ceremony were Board Members Rolando Distura and Domingo Oso, as well as Mayors Lee Ann Debuque of Anilao, Carlos Cabangal of Banate, Manuel Ganzon of Balasan, Mamerto Pelopero of Dueñas, and John Tarrosa of Zarraga. (PR)