Bacoor mayor urges gov't: Explore waste-to-energy technology

BACOOR CITY, CAVITE — Mayor Strike B. Revilla has called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the national government to explore waste-to-energy technology as a potential solution to the country’s growing garbage problem and strained landfill capacities.

Revilla urged national agencies to assess innovative waste management systems used in other countries, which reduce landfill volume while recovering energy from discarded materials.

He emphasized that the Philippines must look beyond conventional disposal methods to address mounting waste and rising management costs faced by local government units.

"We cannot keep treating garbage as a problem that simply needs to be collected and dumped somewhere," Revilla said

"We need to look at smarter, more sustainable solutions. If other countries are finding ways to turn waste into a resource,then our government should study how we can apply those lessons here."

The mayor called for a comprehensive evaluation of waste-to-energy technologies, focusing on their environmental impact, financial viability, and suitability for Philippine communities.

He stressed that any proposed facility must meet strict environmental standards, feature effective emissions controls, and incorporate safeguards to protect public health.

Furthermore, Revilla emphasized that waste-to-energy should complement—rather than replace—proper waste segregation, recycling, composting, and reduction efforts.

"The goal is not simply to burn or process garbage," he said. "The goal is to manage waste responsibly, reduce what goes to landfills, and explore whether we can recover useful energy in the process. Innovation must never come at the expense of public health or the environment."

To achieve this, Revilla advocated for collaboration among national agencies, LGUs, environmental experts, and technology providers to determine technically feasible and economically sustainable systems.

He warned against delaying action until local landfills are completely overwhelmed, noting that effective waste management is vital for protecting public health and preserving the environment for future generations.