The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3 has supported the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) order to shut down the Kalangitan sanitary landfill in Capas, Tarlac, in favor of alternative landfill sites in Pampanga. This initiative aligns with the goal of making New Clark City a prime investment and tourism hub. The BCDA asserts that the looming closure in October 2024 coincides with the end of the 25-year agreement with Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWMC).
“To address waste management challenges, two alternative sites in Floridablanca and Porac, Pampanga, have been identified,” DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo announced.
“These sites collectively offer a capacity of 3,500 metric tons of waste daily, with potential expansion to 6,000 metric tons. Moreover, a materials recovery facility in Porac, capable of handling 5,000 metric tons per day, will soon be operational. This combined capacity is expected to sufficiently meet the waste management demands of the region, alleviating concerns about a potential waste crisis,” EMB Regional Director Martin Jose Despi detailed.
However, the DENR overlooked the substantial impact of increased transport costs on LGUs and private haulers from the far north, exacerbating their financial burdens. The distance from the Capas Kalangitan Landfill to Porac is approximately 21 kilometers, while the distance to Floridablanca is around 27 kilometers.
Another crucial question is: What role did DENR Region 3 play in the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) program, and did it fulfill it when MCWCM applied for a WtE facility on November 16, 2022?
DENR Region 3 plays a significant role in the Waste-to-Energy program. They are responsible for evaluating the environmental impact of proposed projects, issuing permits, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. In the case of MCWMC’s application for the WtE facility, DENR Region 3 would have been responsible for reviewing the application, conducting environmental assessments, and potentially granting the necessary permits.
The DENR Region 3 joined the nationwide rollout of “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” Episode 8, livestreamed via Facebook on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The event, hosted by PIA Regional Director William Beltran, was supported by Assistant Regional Head Carlo Lorenzo Juco Datu and Information Officer Jag Lyra. Pablo and Despi were joined by OIC Regional Director Noel Lacadin from the Mines & Geosciences Bureau.
The impending closure of the Kalangitan sanitary landfill has raised significant concerns among various stakeholders.
The MCWMC has highlighted the critical impact of the landfill’s closure on waste management, especially for hospital waste. The corporation emphasized that their facility is the only accredited one with a dedicated cell for hazardous waste, warning that the closure could lead to significant operational challenges and job losses. In response, the MCWMC has filed a case in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) seeking judicial intervention to correct the contract terms. They argue that their lease should be recognized as a 50-year agreement under RA 7652, contrary to claims by the BCDA and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) that it expires in October. They also argue that freeport zones such as Clark are not covered by the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) Law.
Additionally, the Department of Health (DOH) announced an investigation into the closure, citing potential health risks due to the landfill’s role in managing hazardous and hospital waste. DOH Region 3 expressed concerns about significant health consequences and aims to gather additional facts and develop recommendations to mitigate potential risks through the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau.
Earlier, the BCDA announced it will not extend the contract of MCWCM, citing compliance with the BOT Law and the vision of transforming New Clark City into a premier investment and tourism destination.
Meanwhile, local officials from Capas and neighboring municipalities have appealed to the BCDA to reconsider the closure or provide an extension until alternative solutions are fully operational.