The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has officially sealed a partnership with Alternaverde Corporation to establish a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in the municipality of Surallah. The project, which has received formal endorsements through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a resolution of no objection from both the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Surallah and the provincial government, is set to be the first of its kind in the province.
Provincial Environmental Officer Siegfried Flaviano underscored the multi-stakeholder collaboration that led to the project’s approval. “This achievement is the result of strong multi-stakeholder support and careful planning,” Flaviano said, acknowledging the leadership of Vice Governor Arthur Y. Pinggoy Jr. and the strategic oversight of Board Member Allan M. Ines, who chairs the committee on environment.
The facility aims to reduce landfill dependency while generating renewable energy for local consumption. The South Cotabato Economic Investment and Promotion Center (SCEIPC) played a key role in facilitating negotiations and conducting preliminary studies, ensuring that all necessary stakeholder consultations were undertaken.
Despite the project’s promise of economic benefits, including job creation for South Cotabateños, environmental and health concerns have been raised by experts and advocacy groups. While waste-to-energy facilities are touted as sustainable waste management solutions, they often come with significant drawbacks.
Environmental Concerns
One of the major concerns surrounding WTE technology is air pollution. The incineration process releases harmful pollutants, including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals, which pose risks to both the environment and public health. These toxic emissions can contribute to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer among residents living near the facility.
Additionally, environmentalists argue that waste incineration undermines recycling efforts. By burning waste to produce energy, there is less incentive for communities to engage in proper waste segregation and recycling programs, ultimately leading to more waste being produced rather than less.
Another pressing issue is the facility’s potential impact on South Cotabato’s biodiversity. Surallah and its surrounding areas are home to various ecosystems that could be affected by increased emissions and waste residue. The ash byproducts from incineration, which often contain hazardous substances, require careful disposal to prevent soil and water contamination.
Health Risks
Residents near waste-to-energy plants have expressed concerns about exposure to pollutants. Prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic gases can exacerbate asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly. Additionally, the facility’s operations may introduce odor issues and attract vermin, further impacting public health and sanitation.
Public health advocates stress the need for stringent environmental monitoring and compliance with international air quality standards. Transparency in emissions data and community engagement in decision-making processes will be crucial to mitigating potential risks.
A Call for Sustainable Alternatives
While waste-to-energy technology presents a way to manage growing waste concerns, experts urge the government to consider alternative solutions that prioritize waste reduction and material recovery. Expanding composting programs, strengthening recycling initiatives, and implementing stricter waste segregation policies could offer more sustainable long-term benefits without the environmental and health risks associated with incineration.
The ceremonial MOA signing event, which will bring together key stakeholders, will serve as an opportunity for local officials and Alternaverde representatives to address these concerns and provide further clarifications on how they plan to mitigate the negative impacts of the facility.
As South Cotabato moves forward with this initiative, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and public health protection will be key in ensuring the project’s long-term success.
