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BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City government launched the construction of a P160-million Recovery and Recycling Complex and Ecopark in Barangay Felisa on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward improving local waste management.
The facility will be constructed on 33.13 hectares near the city's sanitary landfill. The project is aimed at addressing the city's growing waste management challenges with innovative, sustainable solutions.
Mayor Albee Benitez was joined by Rep. Greg Gasataya and local officials as he led the groundbreaking ceremony.
In his address, Benitez cited the project's potential to enhance solid waste management, create new recycling opportunities, and provide an educational space dedicated to environmental awareness.
"Our vision for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Bacolod is finally coming to life. Today, we take the first step toward making it a reality with the groundbreaking of the Recovery and Recycling Center and Ecopark," the mayor said.
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Phase 1 of the project, expected to be completed within a year, will have three main components: the construction and site development of a materials recovery facility (MRF), the installation of essential facilities and equipment, and the setup of electrical and lighting systems.
The project will also feature a conveyor belt sorting line, integrated waste solutions, baling of recyclables, tree trimming, and yard waste recycling, as well as windrow composting.
Once completed, the facility will set a new benchmark for sustainable waste management in the region, promoting efficient waste processing and fostering circular economy practices.
Based on the project profile, the goal is to maximize the recovery of recyclable materials, reduce landfill waste, and ensure the proper processing and recycling of resources.
Ma. Fe Trespuentes, head of Bacolod's Environment and Natural Resources Office, shared that a recent waste analysis revealed the city generates an average of 577 tons of waste per day, and 400 tons of this total end up in the city's sanitary landfill daily.
Edmond Maceda, the city's special adviser for solid waste management and sustainability, called the project a "game changer."
"We are changing the game from collect and dump in Felisa to collect, divert, process, recover, reuse, and recycle. It connects three things — environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic prosperity," Maceda explained.
The project, developed in partnership with IPM Construction and Development Corp., is part of the city's broader environmental strategy funded by a P4.44-billion loan secured from the Development Bank of the Philippines in 2023.
