PNOC, Baguio City tie up to convert waste into energy

MANILA, Philippines — PNOC Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC), the renewable energy arm of state-run Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), has partnered with the local government of Baguio to explore waste-to-energy development.

PNOC-RC and the local government unit of Baguio recently signed a memorandum of understanding to support waste-to-energy development and sustainable solid waste management of the city.

John Arenas, president of PNOC-RC, said the state-run firm recognizes the potential of waste-to-energy (WTE) as one of the solutions to the solid waste problem but has faced limitations for development.

“There has been existing WTE technologies abroad but needs commercial installation in the Philippines because civil society organizations pose strong opposition to its development,” he said.

“Through this project, the government will make sure that it will consider the welfare of the society and the environment. This could also generate renewable energy from local source, therefore, security and sustainability of energy supply can be assured,” Arenas said.

Baguio City faces a solid waste crisis and is running out of disposal facility due to its rugged and mountainous location, increasing population and tourists, and safe access of the potential areas.

Current residual waste of the city must be transported to lowland provinces with existing treatment facility which put additional burden on hauling cost.

The accumulation of city solid waste along streets and inappropriate location defaces the good image of Baguio City- dubbed as the summer capital of the Philippines.

If the project is completed, this can be replicated by other local government units (LGUs), Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan said.

“We welcome this opportunity to partner with a government entity to address one of our basic concerns not only in the city of Baguio but La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay as well. Hopefully, this project can be realized soon, so that the other LGUs can use this as a model and replicate the same in their respective areas,” he added.