If you’re concerned about the proposed closure of the Kalangitan landfill, you’re not alone. Metro Clark Waste Management (MCWM) acknowledges the serious implications of this decision, and the immediate, severe impact on the public cannot be overstated. A sudden closure would trigger an overnight garbage crisis affecting 15 million people across Central Luzon, Pangasinan, parts of Metro Manila and the Cordillera region.
Kalangitan isn’t just one of the largest waste management facilities in the Philippines; it’s the only landfill in Central Luzon with the necessary capacity and expertise to handle all the waste (household, commercial, industrial) generated in the region, particularly treated hazardous and hospital waste.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) have cited the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) law, asserting that the service contract cannot be renewed after 25 years. However, MCWM argues that this claim is incorrect and is actively pursuing legal action to address this misconception. “We firmly believe the law supports our position, and we are confident the courts will uphold this,” MCWM points out.
Since beginning operations in 2003, MCWM has consistently met or exceeded all regulations under RA 9003, the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000. This has made their landfill facility the only one of its kind in the Philippines, providing waste management services on par with the best practices in Europe and other developed countries. Their track record of 25 years without major incidents or violations speaks to their commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
MCWM has continually invested in increasing their facilities, equipment, and capacity to address the growing waste management needs of the Philippines. In 2019, they proposed to BCDA a $200 million state-of-the-art Waste-To-Energy facility, which would be built at no cost to the government or taxpayers. This facility would significantly enhance Kalangitan’s waste management capacity, providing an innovative solution to the region’s waste challenges. Unfortunately, this proposal was not accepted.
MCWM has served over 150 local government units (LGUs) and more than a thousand industrial clients, representing a community of roughly 15 million people across Central Luzon, Pangasinan, and the Cordilleras, including Baguio. Their commitment to providing world-class services to their customers has always been their top priority.
Elaborating further, the sudden closure of Kalangitan landfill would not only disrupt waste management for millions but also pose significant environmental and public health risks. Without a proper disposal facility, untreated hazardous and hospital waste could lead to severe contamination of soil and water sources, escalating into a public health crisis.
Additionally, the abrupt halt in operations would likely lead to illegal dumping and unregulated waste disposal practices, exacerbating the region’s waste management challenges. The logistical nightmare of redistributing such a large volume of waste to alternative facilities, which may not have the required capacity or infrastructure, would strain the entire waste management system of the affected regions.
MCWM’s expertise and established infrastructure are crucial in managing this complex ecosystem, and their abrupt removal from the equation would create a void that other facilities simply cannot fill in the short term. Therefore, it’s imperative that a more thoughtful and gradual approach be considered to address the concerns surrounding the landfill’s future.
In conclusion, the role of Kalangitan landfill in maintaining public health and environmental safety cannot be underestimated. An abrupt closure would create chaos and leave a lasting negative impact on millions of people. It is crucial for all stakeholders to come together to find a sustainable solution that ensures continued effective waste management.
Only through cooperation and foresight can we prevent a crisis and maintain the high standards that have been established over the past 25 years. The people of Central Luzon, Pangasinan, parts of Metro Manila and the Cordilleras deserve nothing less.