LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, (PNA)–Garbage disposal and collection in Pangasinan may no longer be a problem once a high-tech processing plant that can convert wastes into energy is in place.
This will soon be realized after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed on September 23 Provincial Resolution No. 123-2013 which authorized Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Integrated Green Technology Visayas, Inc. (IGTVI) .
The MOA will pave the way for the establishment and development of an ultra-modern solid waste management and disposal plant in line with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or Republic Act No. 9003.
However, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. clarified that the resolution approved by the SP is still subject to ratification.
The province of Pangasinan has been identified as one of the strategic locations in Luzon for the establishment of the structure.
Michael Jimenez, president and chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IGTVI, said that once the project is implemented in Pangasinan, it will serve as the showcase of the waste-to-energy technology for the entire Luzon.
The proposed project will be under governing provisions of R.A. 9003, otherwise known as “The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.”
Contract duration will be for a period of 25 years renewable for another 25 years.
The establishment of the multi- million dollar waste management processing plant shall use a highly reliable German technology.
The proposed project is seen to address the increasing volume of garbage in Pangasinan. Aside from this, it will also generate jobs for local residents as disclosed by the IGTVI CEO.
Jimenez noted that an employee training program for staff, equipment operator, maintenance and management intended for Pangasinense workers will soon be undertaken.
He said that the technology combines recycling, sorting and waste water treatment, thus making zero-pollution emission.
According to Jimenez, the facility will convert 70 percent of residual wastes into hard pellets or coal for power generation.
As equity, the provincial government is required to make available from six to seven hectares as plant location.