The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed full support for the establishment of a waste-to-energy facility in Bulacan, seen as a long-term solution to the province’s growing solid waste management concerns.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo assured the provincial government of the agency’s commitment to provide technical assistance in the project’s planning, construction, operation, and sustainability phases.

The initiative aims to reduce dependence on landfills, generate renewable energy to lower electricity costs, help revive marine biodiversity, and create new livelihood and job opportunities for Bulakenyos.

Governor Daniel Fernando introduced the project following his official visit to Japan, where he toured a similar waste-to-energy facility operated by Phil. Ecology Systems Corporation (PHILECO* and its Japanese partner Kanadevia Corporation.

To replicate the model, the provincial government has entered into a public-private partnership (PPP) with PHILECO to finance, design, build, and operate a facility in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

“The province cannot forever rely on limited material recovery facilities, nor should we allow any kind of landfill,” Fernando emphasized.

Set to begin operations by 2028, the facility will have a 3,000-ton daily capacity, converting up to 90 percent of waste into electricity, with only 10 percent left for disposal or treatment. (PIA Region 3 – Bulacan)