Learning moved beyond the classroom for at least 80 pollution control officer (PCO) trainees from Alab Solutions, Inc. as they toured the Soliman EC treatment plant in Barangay Eden on February 12, 2026, gaining first-hand exposure to actual environmental management operations.
The visit forms part of the Alab PCO Training Tour, a professional development program designed to give future and current PCOs practical insights into treatment facilities and industry best practices. The 40-hour training program highlights the importance of collaboration among the private sector, environmental professionals, and regulatory bodies in promoting responsible and compliant environmental operations.
For many trainees, the plant visit provided a rare opportunity to witness actual wastewater and hazardous waste treatment and disposal processes—an experience that goes beyond textbook learning.
According to Soliman EC Pollution Control Officer Engr. Christian Joseph Bacani, allowing trainees to directly observe facility operations is an effective way to strengthen technical knowledge and industry understanding.
As part of its push for innovation and sustainability, Soliman EC also showcased the Groon Oxidation Technology, a Korean-developed wastewater treatment solution that uses low-temperature plasma to treat both domestic and high-concentration industrial wastewater. The system is designed to efficiently break down contaminants while maintaining stable operations and offering lower facility and maintenance costs compared to other advanced treatment technologies.
Soliman EC is looking to introduce and deploy the technology in the Philippines to help address the country’s wastewater treatment challenges.
Adding global perspective to the learning experience, Groon executives and technology inventors Dr. Lee Inho and Dr. Hong Youngpyo joined the activity to introduce the technology to trainees and share insights on its development and real-world applications.
Currently recognized as a leading service provider for septage management and wastewater treatment in Central Luzon, Soliman EC continues to position itself at the forefront of the industry. Engr. Bacani emphasized that the company remains committed to delivering globally competitive, accessible, and innovative environmental solutions.
Through initiatives like the training tour, both public and private sectors continue to work together in strengthening environmental protection efforts—ensuring that the next generation of environmental professionals is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to support sustainable development in the Philippines.
