LISTED IPM Holdings Inc., through its subsidiary Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies Inc. (BEST Inc.) has commenced operations of a 10-hectare sanitary landfill in Iloilo, completed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The landfill, located in Passi, Iloilo is capable of handling solid waste from 28 local government units in the third, fourth and fifth districts of the province.
The Passi Integrated Waste Management Facility (PIWMF) is estimated to reach full capacity by 2030 based on the volume of waste generated by its LGU clients. The facility also accepts solid waste from other local government units within Iloilo Province.
A partnership between BEST and Passi City, the facility will allow LGUs to comply with the strict requirements of Republic Act 9003 or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Moving forward, BEST is pursuing similar sanitary landfill projects using the PPP modality in strategic areas in the Philippines. The company’s aim is to be the country’s leading local designer, builder and operator of integrated waste management facilities.
BEST president and CEO Isabelita ‘Eisa’ Paredes Mercado said building the landfill using the PPP model addresses major concerns shared by all LGUs in the country.
“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; and, finally, it can help relieve pressures against closure of open dumpsites and Residuals Containment Areas (RCAs) including possible prosecution of violators,” she said in a statement.
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.