10-hectare sanitary landfill opens in Iloilo

A 10-hectare sanitary landfill project was inaugurated on Wednesday in Passi City, Iloilo.

According to IPM Holdings subsidiary Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST), the Passi Integrated Waste Management Facility (PIWMF) may handle solid waste from 28 local government units in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th districts of the Iloilo Province.

BEST said it may also accept solid waste from other LGUs in the province.

For his part, Passi Mayor Stephen Palmares said the PIWMF is expected to produce numerous benefits for residents.

“Neighboring municipalities will also have an environment-friendly disposal area thereby complying with the strict requirements of RA 9003,” he said in a statement.

"The Clustered SLF will redound to improved public health, sanitation, and overall well-being of Iloilo residents," he added.

BEST President Isabelita Paredes Mercado said the project will address the concerns of local governments across the Philippines.

“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 9003,” she said.

“[F]inally, it can help relieve pressures against the closure of open dumpsites and Residuals Containment Areas including possible prosecution of violators,” she added.

The facility is expected to reach full capacity by 2030.

PIWMF is being constructed by BEST in partnership with Passi City.

BEST is also seeking to establish other sanitary landfill projects in other areas in the country. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News