Benguet backs Ampucao ESL

GOVERNOR Crescencio Pacalso said the ideal Engineered Sanitary Landfill is eyed at Barangay Ampucao Itogon, Benguet.

“We are trying, we are helping Barangay Ampucao in Itogon to come up with ESL but they are now encountering problems with requirements from other government agencies which is still on process,” added Pacalso.

The ESL will be solely managed by the municipality of Itogon while the province will be supporting the move.

“It's still on process because incidentally it is within a protected area but that is the only viable site that was found,” the governor said.

If the project is approved, garbage from

Baguio-La TrinidadItogon-Sablan-TubaTublay (BLISTT) will be disposed in the area once the ESL is ready for operation.

Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan said they are also waiting for the decision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources if they will list the area as protected under the National Intergrated Protected Area System Act.

“It was declared as a protected area that is why we cannot convert that into other use without the listing of that declaration,” said Palangdan.

“Nakaready na iyong financier to finance the project. It will solve the problem of the BLISTT, it will contain all garbage waste if the project pushed through.”

The ESL aimed to operate for over 50 years.

“Today there is no other way than to restore it back.” Palangdan added. “We are wondering why did the DENR declared that as protected area well in fact behind that area the big mining company.”

Two months ago, a consultation was conducted with affected claimants within the area yielding approval for the construction of the facility. “We believe there is no longer opposition in the area even the outlying areas,” claimed Palangdan.

Barangay Captain Eddie Amuasen said the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) endorsed the project with a condition if the project will cater to the BLISTT, the protected area should be regulated by the PAMB, composed of barangay captains covered in area.

Amuasen said the LGU is on the process of completing requirements for the proposed ESL.

“We have a letter from PAMB to conduct a meeting on November 29 regarding the clarification in the Sanitary Landfill.”

Photo by Milo Brioso ADIVAY CAKE. Cordillera Career Development College(CCDC) students put on the finishing touches of their highland vegetable themed cake during the skills competition of the Adivay Festival in Benguet.