San Mateo folk warn of ecological risks from new landfill

Concerned communities in San Mateo, Rizal have expressed grave concern on reports of an ongoing and allegedly illegal construction of a new landfill in Barangay Malay.

They warned of a potential ecological catastrophe since it is being constructed within the protected forest zone of San Mateo and the declared Marikina Watershed Reservation Area, threatening underground water resources wherein Metro Manila relies on for its water needs. 

Massive social repercussions are also expected on nearby populated areas whose residents were apparently not consulted beforehand.

Some San Mateo residents said they are not aware of the project and expressed surprise at the apparent secrecy and haste in which it is being implemented, which they also claimed was initiated without the necessary permits and clearances.  

Some expressed suspicion that it may have something to do with politics in the province.

The project was allegedly proposed and applied for on a 19-hectare property in Sitio Mabilog na Bato, Pintong Bukawe.

However, the new landfill is in fact being constructed and will be operated in Barangay Malay, which is more than three kilometers away.

Concerns were also raised on the ability of the operator endorsed by the Rizal provincial government to operate a modern, environmentally sound and legally compliant landfill facility. 

The apparent operator of the project allegedly has an authorized capital stock of only P10 million and a paid-up capital of only P625,000. On the other hand, the declared estimated project cost is P380 million.

After belatedly finding out about the project, some residents vowed to vigorously oppose the project and are asking all concerned sectors to raise their objections to the proper authorities. 

In addition to the catastrophic impact on San Mateo and other nearby areas, they warned that Metro Manila residents might just wake up one day to find out that leachate and other contaminants from the new landfill had already seeped into their water supply.