The construction of the city’s Centralized Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to house the city’s waste-to-resource management system has begun this week, according to the City General Services Office (GSO) and the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO).
CBAO Head Arch. Johnny Degay said the construction of the structure will take six months to complete. Road and site development works are also up for completion.
The project has been granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by the Environmental Management Bureau Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-CAR) allowing construction to proceed in compliance with environmental regulations.
The centralized MRF will house the city’s waste-to-resource processes combine traditional waste management systems to be undertaken through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode of development.
Instead of fully funding the project, the city is pursuing a PPP for the operation and procurement of equipment to carry out the processes.
The city will shoulder land development and structural components based on the approved design, while a private partner with expertise in waste management will handle operations and deliver the required equipment.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the project is part of the city’s “Pansa-nopen Tayo” circular economy program, which aims to improve waste management while creating more opportunities for resource recovery and livelihood.
The city has received a letter of intent from a prospective proponent and is now awaiting the submission of an unsolicited proposal from the private company for the operation of the facility. The proposal will undergo the required evaluation and approval process under the PPP framework before any agreement is finalized.
Acting City General Services Officer Ma. Guadalupe Della said the project will be implemented in phases to maximize material recovery and improve waste processing across the city’s barangays.
Under Phase 1, the facility will focus on managing recyclables and residual waste, with the installation of equipment such as conveyors and processing systems to enhance recovery rates. Phase 2 will introduce additional technologies, including the possible production of refuse-derived fuel from biodegradable waste.
The mayor said the facility will strengthen the city’s circular economy initiatives by increasing material recovery, reducing waste sent to landfills and creating more sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
