The waste-to-energy project that costs US$650 million in San Pascual, Tuba, Benguet will be implemented soon following the signing by the parties of the memorandum of agreement on Monday.

Tuba officials led by Mayor Florencio Bentrez and Concord Pacific Investments Holdings Ltd. Inc. led by its president Jose Utrillo signed the MOA, which spells out the roles of the local government and the private investor in connection with the project that will be set up in a 50-hectare property in San Pascual barangay.

The project, which is capable of accommodating 200 tons of garbage daily, is expected to be completed in two years once the pre-development requirements have been completed.

This means wastes generated either from Baguio or Benguet outlying towns can be brought to the San Pascual facility once the project has been completed.

The project proponent has already secured the approval of barangay officials and residents of San Pascual following the latest public consultation about the project early this year.

Utrillo told reporters Monday their company will conduct another localized feasibility study so that all the aspects of the project will be presented before it formally commences.

“All the requirements provided by the law will be followed, such as the conduct of environmental impact assessment, including geological studies to ensure the stability and sustainability of the project,” Utrillo said.

He added the waste-to-energy processing plant will not have adverse effects to the environment and to peoples’ health, adding the company will strictly abide with the provision of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Utrillo said the company will also implement priority projects requested by the barangay such as the delivery of agricultural irrigation system, establishment of potable water system, construction of tramlines, construction of sports complex, pathways, agricultural product processing plant; donation of one unit emergency vehicle and one unit vehicle for the barangay, relocation for affected families and compensation for the affected families.

Bentrez expressed hope that the project will start the soonest time possible even as he challenged the project proponent to strictly comply with the provisions of the MOA.

The same project will be established in Bataan.