By CATHY CALUYA
www.nordis.net

After viewing Engineered Sanitary Landfill (ESL) with no prospect of change in the next three years, a group of private individuals spearheaded by Butch Mandapat came out to present a landfill site proposal for Baguio city last September 24.

A 22 more or less hectares lot situated at Sablan, Benguet was readily offered to the city government with its cost of P200.00 per square meter and only two kilometers away from the highway.

Mandapat told NORDIS that a land owner named Rogelio Almacen offered to sell his property provided it will be used for the city dumpsite. The group carefully planned on how to help the city and complied requirements to push thru the said proposal including its social acceptability to barangay officials and residents of Sablan, land titles and other documents.

Furthermore, according to DENR inspection report, the proposed landfill site meets most of the criteria for landfill sites. The area could then be seriously considered as one possible landfill site to address the pressing need of Baguio city in its solid waste management program.

However, Mandapat admitted that there are some pieces missing to approve the proposal. They are still awaiting for the open forum and agreement between municipality of Sablan and Baguio.

Mandapat said the offered land is realistic because it can last for 60 years, “but, that will still depend on how the city manage it,” he added.

“This is a saving grace if the mayor will think that way. I don’t see any reason for not accepting the proposal,” he said

During the Ugnayang Panlungsod last Thursday, Mayor Reinaldo Bautista said they have already talked this matter long time ago. He even expressed that the city officials were grateful because of a well-placed transaction with the government especially with Sablan officials. “They realized that Baguio needs them and they also need us. This, therefore, is a big help to find ways and means to reduce garbage waste in the city,” Bautista said.

He added too that Sablan is really opening itself to us. “Mayor Tacio of Sablan asked for assistance on road development in their area. We are happy to assist our neighbors too.” Bautista stated.
“All officials are coordinating, that’s why we are very happy,” he added.

The proposal is expected to be introduced on Monday during the city council session through Councilor Nicasio Aliping for the council’s approval.# nordis.net