DENR urged to extend Payatas dump operation

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to extend the operation of the Payatas dump for six months.

In a report to Mayor Herbert Bautista during a recent executive meeting, city environment protection and waste management department (EPWMD) head Frederika Rentoy said at least 15 percent of every fleet to be contracted by the city government for transporting its garbage to the disposal facility in Rodriguez, Rizal will have to undergo a dry run at the Payatas landfill.

The operation of the Payatas dump is covered by an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the DENR, Rentoy said.

However, she said another ECC is required before the Payatas dump could continue its operation.

Rentoy said the ECC is expected to be released next month.

The local government will coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in case the DENR will not issue an ECC.

Rentoy said the MMDA would have to transact with contractors regarding the collection of the city’s garbage.

She added the city government, through the Payatas Operation Group, will comply with the environmental standards mandated by law.

Bautista has approved a 100-percent increase in the budget of EPWMD for next year to be used for hauling garbage.

The EPWMD has more than P1-billion budget this year.