IPM unit opens first major landfill under PPP scheme in Iloilo
MANILA, Philippines—A unit of publicly-listed IPM Holdings Inc. has begun operations of the first of several engineered sanitary landfills in the country using the public-private partnership model.
Located in Passi City, Iloilo province, the 10-hectare sanitary landfill of Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies (BEST) Inc. is capable of handling solid waste from 28 local government units in the third, fourth and fifth districts of Iloilo province.
The facility also accepts solid waste from other local government units within Iloilo province. Designed, built and operated by BEST in partnership with Passi City, 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.
Local officials, led by Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares and Vice Mayor Jesry Palmares, welcomed the facility’s opening as it will allow LGUs to comply with the strict requirements of Republic Act 9003 or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
The event was also attended by representatives of Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and the Environmental Management Bureau of the regional Department of Environment and Natural Resources office.
Apart from Iloilo, BEST is pursuing similar sanitary landfill projects using the PPP model 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 Paredes Mercado said building PIWMF 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,” Mercado said in a statement.
“Second, it helps LGUs who lack finances and technical expertise to build and operate landfills that are fully compliant with RA 9003,” she said.
“And, finally, it can help relieve pressures against closure of open dumpsites and residuals containment areas, including possible prosecution of violators,” Mercado added.
The birth of PPPs in waste management was a recognition of 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.
Palmares said his 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 the law,” Palmares said.
“The clustered 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, the city 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 deal.
