BAGUIO CITY — The city council has yet to decide on which contractor to entrust the rehabilitation and final closure of the Irisan dumpsite.

There are three interested bidders who offer their services and technology for the city’s utilization. These are the Rajce Construction, Full Advantage (Phils.) International, Inc. and Ace Technologies, Holding and Development Corporation.

In the last council session, Ruben Luyon, director of Ace Technologies, Holding and Development Corporation, requested to replay the company’s November 3, 2008 presentation of its amended proposal dated October 31, 2008 through negotiated procurement for the design, rehabilitation, extended serviceability and final closure of the Irisan Open Dumpsite Facility during the December 23, 2008 Special Session.

However, Councilor Nicasio Palaganas opposed the presentation because the proposed rehabilitation needs an appropriate funding of P15 million.

The council also questioned the immediate request or the Notice of Proceed of the proposed project for funding as if obliging the city to do so. Luyon said this happened through a negotiated procurement. The council however, reminded Luyon that a negotiated procurement contract is not appropriate this time.

Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia even withdrew his support for the project and advised Luyon to “come back next time when the company is no longer demanding P15 million”.

Meanwhile, Full Advantage (Phils.) International, Inc. already has a contract and only waits for confirmation of its Memorandum of Agreement with the city.

This then holds the contract of Raje Construction, which proposed the conversion of the Irisan dump site into a controlled disposal facility with the amount of P2,264,835.50 last July 22, 2008 during its presentation. Full Advantage, on the other hand, offers zero payment from the city.

Palaganas then suggested the city choose the contractor that would not cost anything to the city. He also suggested that the council make a resolution that would accommodate all the proposals of companies to solve that garbage problem in the city.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda added this should be done after the technical working group has done its research. # Vhon Estillero