In life, we often need to make choices that help many, even if they cause a little trouble to a few. This is true in families, in schools, in businesses, and yes, in communities. We cannot make everyone happy, but if most people are helped, a small inconvenience should be acceptable.
One good example is what’s happening in Barangay Mancatian, Porac. This small barangay in Pampanga is now home to a sanitary landfill run by Eco Protect Management Corporation (EPMC). This landfill has become a popular choice for many towns and cities in Luzon, especially after the closure of the Kalangitan landfill in Capas, Tarlac.
However, not everyone is happy. Some residents have raised concerns about a bad smell coming from garbage trucks that pass through their roads. These trucks bring waste to the landfill, and the complaints have gained attention on social media. Some people are even calling for the local government and barangay officials to review EPMC’s permits.
It’s easy to understand why residents are upset. After all, who wants to smell garbage in front of their homes? But here’s the bigger question: Should the discomfort of a few people outweigh the benefits this landfill brings to many?
Let’s look at the facts. Sanitary landfills are the only type of garbage facility allowed by Philippine law. Open dumpsites are illegal, and other types of waste centers cannot keep large amounts of trash for long. A proper landfill like EPMC is carefully designed to manage waste in a clean and safe way. Without facilities like these, garbage would pile up in our streets or be left uncollected in homes.
Still, to better understand the complaints, a visit to the EPMC site was done. What was found was surprising. There was no bad smell. There were no clouds of flies. The area was clean and organized. Even the trucks going in and out of the facility did not give off any odor.
Engineer Perry Bonzon, who works with EPMC, explained how they manage the landfill. He said they spray special enzymes every day to keep flies and smells under control. He also pointed out that most of the few flies people saw might have come from a nearby poultry farm, not the landfill.
The landfill itself is carefully built. Trash is buried under layers of soil. There are protective linings to prevent harmful liquids, called leachate, from leaking into the ground. Because the area is warm and covered with volcanic ash or “lahar,” the moisture in the garbage dries up quickly. Even during the rainy season, EPMC uses a water treatment system. This system is so effective that bamboo and other plants grow well in the area.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has even given EPMC a Category 4 certification — a high rating that shows the facility meets strict standards.
Still, EPMC is not ignoring the complaints. They said they will continue to remind the truck haulers to make sure their trucks do not leak. They already have a system in place to wash every truck before it leaves the facility.
The truth is, no matter where you put a landfill, there will always be some discomfort. Whether it’s in Porac or another place, someone will always be affected. That’s because the Philippines is a small and crowded country. We all live close to each other, and space is limited.
That’s why it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Waste management is not easy, but it’s necessary. Someone has to deal with the garbage. And if it’s being done in a clean, safe, and legal way, then it’s worth supporting.
The residents of Porac deserve to be heard, and their concerns must be addressed. But we must also remember that proper waste disposal helps many towns, many families, and our environment. A small inconvenience, when managed properly, is a fair trade for the benefit of many.
After all, isn’t that what community is all about? Working together for the greater good — even if it sometimes means a little sacrifice.