PORAC, Pampanga — In the wake of the closure of Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation in Capas, Tarlac, Eco Protect Management Corporation (EPMC) has rapidly risen as the most practical, affordable, and accessible sanitary landfill solution for Pampanga and parts of Central Luzon.
Located in Barangay Mancatian, with facilities extending into Barangay Mitla, Porac, Pampanga, EPMC now serves as the region’s primary residual waste disposal facility providing crucial support to to almost 90 local government units (LGUs) and private clients, including the cities of San Fernando, Angeles, Malolos, Balanga, and the municipality of Hermosa.
Spanning 15 hectares, the Category 4 landfill (excluding hazardous and hospital waste) has become indispensable in filling the vacuum left by Metro Clark’s shutdown. Since then, waste volume at EPMC has surged by 150 percent, now accommodating up to 1,500 tons of residual waste daily, or an average of 220 truckloads per day from across Central Luzon.
A SITE BUILT TO LAST
Strategically situated in lahar-rich terrain, the landfill sits on flat, erosion-resistant land, an advantage over elevated dump sites that are more prone to landslides. The lahar area’s “hot soil” naturally speeds up decomposition, generating methane and ammonia that are contained and controlled under strict environmental protocols.
The landfill’s 8-meter-deep engineered pits are covered daily with 6 inches of soil, effectively minimizing odor and keeping pests at bay. Cells 1 and 2, each spanning nearly four hectares, are currently operational, with two additional cells set to open soon to meet growing demand. An 8-hectare expansion is also in the works, projected to accommodate an additional 400 tons of waste per pit, further boosting the site’s long-term capacity.
FULLY PERMITTED & COMPLIANT
EPMC operates with complete government clearances, including its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as discharge permits for both septic and industrial waste.
It also holds all necessary business and operational permits from the local government of Porac, reflecting the support and oversight of the municipal mayor and other regulatory offices.
While the facility currently does not accept hazardous or hospital waste, it is actively studying the possibility of expanding into this area with the proper safeguards in place.
Looking ahead, EPMC is also laying the groundwork for a future waste-to-resource facility in partnership with a foreign investor, a move that will further advance its mission of sustainable, circular waste management. This planned development aims to convert biodegradable waste into usable energy, reducing landfill volume while contributing to the region’s renewable energy goals.
SEAMLESS OPERATIONS & ODOR CONTROL
Operating 24/6 (Monday to Saturday) and half-day on Sundays, EPMC lean team of 32 personnel — including 17 regular employees and 15 job order staff — ensures smooth, continuous operations.
To effectively control odor and accelerate waste decomposition, the facility allocates ₱450,000 monthly for enzyme-based treatments, combined with water and daily soil cover. This proactive investment in environmental safety reflects Eco Protect’s broader commitment to sustainability.
As part of its long-term vision, the company is preparing to launch an on-site recycling plant that will process recovered materials into recycled products such as armchairs, waste bins, and other functional items. These products will support the “Lunes Malinis” (MaLu) campaign — a campus-based corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative spearheaded by EPMC, which is regularly held in public schools across Angeles City and the City of San Fernando. The project promotes environmental awareness and cleaner school environments by integrating recycling and waste education at the grassroots level.
AFFORDABLE & ACCESSIBLE
FOR LGUs, PRIVATE FIRMS
EPMC’s tipping fees remain among the most competitive in the region P300–350 per cubic meter for LGUs; and P400–₱450 per cubic meter for private haulers
As Central Luzon continues to search for lasting waste management solutions, EPMC stands ready not just as a stopgap after Metro Clark’s closure, but as a long-term, sustainable partner for LGUs and private institutions committed to responsible waste disposal.