Publicly-listed IPM Holdings Inc. on Wednesday said its unit, Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies Inc. (BEST), has opened the first of several engineered sanitary landfills in the country.
The 10-hectare sanitary landfill in Passi City is capable of handling solid waste from 28 local government units (LGUs) in the third, fourth and fifth districts of Iloilo Province. The facility also accepts solid waste from other LGUs within the province.
The company has set its sights on becoming the country’s leading local designer, builder and operator of integrated waste management facilities, BEST President and CEO Isabelita Paredes Mercado said.
The facility using the public-private partnership (PPP) model may address major concerns shared by many LGUs in the country, she said.
“For one, a sanitary landfill helps safeguard the environment from pollution due to mismanaged wastes; second, it helps LGUs who lack finances and technical expertise to build and operate landfills that are fully compliant with RA [Republic Act] 9003; and, finally, it can help relieve pressures against closure of open dumpsites and residuals containment areas including possible prosecution of violators,” Mercado said.
The Passi Integrated Waste Management Facility is estimated to reach full capacity by 2030 based on the volume of waste generated by its LGU clients.
The facility is designed, built and operated by BEST in partnership with Passi City government, whose officials led led by Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares and Vice Mayor Jesry Palmares welcomed the facility’s opening as it will allow them to comply with the strict requirements of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Apart from Iloilo, BEST is pursuing similar sanitary landfill projects using the PPP modality in strategic areas in the Philippines.
Palmares said the city’s landfill is expected to generate environmental, health, economic, and social benefits for city residents.
“Neighboring municipalities will also have an environment-friendly disposal area thereby complying with the strict requirements of RA 9003. The clustered SLF [sanitary landfill] will redound to improved public health, sanitation, and overall well-being of Iloilo residents,” he said.
Passi City adopted its PPP framework in 2014. After a competitive challenge process, Passi selected BEST to be the private sector proponent to undertake the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the city’s engineered sanitary landfill facility under a joint venture agreement.
“The birth of PPPs in waste management recognized the significant role of the private sector as a partner in implementing environmental and solid waste management programs as well as accelerating the country’s infrastructure development and sustained economic growth,” the company said.
BEST was incorporated in the Philippines on September 15, 1999. The primary purpose of the corporation is to engage in contracting and consulting for waste management related business including waste collection,transport and disposal; waste management facilities infrastructure; public cleansing and general hygiene;provision of waste management technology; operations and maintenance of environment and waste management related facilities including transfer stations, landfills, and other facilities, waste water treatment plant, recycling and resource recovery facilities.
BEST said its primary mission is to “provide avenues such as services and facilities for comprehensive waste disposal systems, public cleansing, general hygiene and material recovery that promote and implement sustainable development through proper solid waste disposal and resource conservation in the environmental and social spheres of urban and rural areas.”