Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST, Inc.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of publicly-listed IPM Holdings, Inc. (IPM), has opened the first of several engineered sanitary landfills in the country using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Located in Passi City, Iloilo, the 10-hectare sanitary landfill is capable of handling solid waste from 28 local government units in the 3rd, 4th and 5th 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 (PIWMF) is estimated to reach full capacity by 2030 based on the volume of waste generated by its LGU clients.
The facility will allow LGUs to comply with the strict requirements of Republic Act 9003 or 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.
The company’s aim is to be the country’s leading local designer, builder and operator of integrated waste management facilities.
BEST President 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; 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.
Passi Mayor Stephen 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 will redound to improved public health, sanitation, and overall well-being of Iloilo residents,” he stressed.
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.