Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Leo Tereso Magno revealed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) gave its assurance that the Waste to Energy (WTE) project of Davao City is not canceled.
Magno said according to DENR it is still fixing the paperworks.
“Walang cancellation sa WTE. Inaayos lang nila ang paperworks,” Magno said.
In May this year, Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said the WTE project is being put on hold by the DENR.
“Ang sabi ng DENR wala pang period yan at inaayos lang. Because it is a Japanese government grant na may Philippine counterpart. Yung detalye pinag-uusapan pa kung paano gagawin,” Magno said.
Based on its design, the WTE plant has a capacity of 600 metric tons and the ability to generate up to 12 megawatts of energy.
Davao City, with a population of 1.6 million, generates a daily average of 600 to 650 tons of garbage, as per data from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The existing challenge lies in the accumulation of waste at the city’s sanitary landfill in Barangay New Carmen, Tugbok District.
Since 2016, the landfill has surpassed its full capacity, accumulating 900,000 tons against the intended 700,000 to 800,000 tons.
With the WTE plant in Kitakyushu City in Japan as a guiding example, Davao City envisions adopting effective waste management practices, fostering a cleaner environment, and contributing to the city’s energy sustainability through the WTE project.
