Capitol eyes Mexico’s MRF for towns

By Joey Pavia

MEXICO, Pampanga—Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda urged mayors to use a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) similar to solid waste management project here, as it had been proven effective in other areas in the country.

Pineda said the P15-million MRF in Barangay Suclaban will begin to operate this month after the installation of three-phase electricity.

The governor expressed confidence that a “modern MRF such as this project” would solve the problem on waste management in every town.

“The technology to be used in Mexico is environment-friendly,” said Pineda in the dialect. The MRF uses a composite technology which will turn biodegradable materials into fertilizer.

Mayor Teddy Tumang, who toured Pineda and other mayors at the facility, said the facility will use a conveyor to effectively separate biodegradable materials from the non-biodegradable.

Tumang said the conveyor will be run manually.

“It’s efficient as seen in the first areas it was used in the country,” said Tumang.

Pineda vowed to help members of the Pampanga Mayor’s League (PML) put up their respective MRFs. She asked the mayors for a meeting with them every Tuesday to address the problem on garbage, which is derailing her priority project on health.

Mayor Joselito “Lito” Naguit disclosed that their garbage in Sto. Tomas is manageable considering they “only have seven barangays.” He disclosed that they have an MRF in Barangay Poblacion, which is run by the municipal government and the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC).

Naguit said he will put up another MRF similar to the one in Mexico because of the technology used.

“We are preparing for a bigger population creating more waste. We also want to effectively handle garbage with two MRFs,” said Naguit.

Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco, Jr., for his part, said he wants to see Tumang’s MRF operate first before using it.
”I just want to make sure but this MRF looks effective,” said Tetangco in the dialect.

Once the three-phase electricity is installed, the MRF will operate by August, according to Tumang.