WTE facility in 2026

CEBU, Philippines —  Since its location has been finally settled, Cebu City should expect in three years time a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility that should address both its garbage and energy problems.

This is what City Councilor Joel Garganera, City Council committee on environment chairman, assured Cebuanos, as he revealed that proper permits and other requirements are already currently being secured for the start of the construction of the facility.

"We are looking at around three years, from permits and everything, and the actual operation," he said.

The councilor said that since ownership of the Inayawan Landfill is still in question, the plant would instead be built in a mountain barangay of the city.

He, however, refused to disclose where the WTE would be, adding that securing the permits is still ongoing.

Garganera said that instead of battling it out in court, it was decided to just look for another location for the WTE.

"Lisod na kaayo kay we go to the court and all those legal processes. Maabtan ta'g siyam-siyam," he said, when asked about the Inayawan Landfill's ownership.

To recall, it surfaced in 2019 that the Inayawan Landfill lot is not owned by the City Government but rather by one "Renato Senining".

Garganera said that instead of at the Inayawan Landfill, New Sky (China) Environment and Techo Co Ltd. has found a seven-hectare property in a mountain barangay for the WTE.

He said it is about time that Cebu City establishes a WTE, which he said is a garbage disposal method that other countries have long been using.

"We are in the final stage na with regards to the procurement sa lot, sa accessibility. So, let's just leave it there, kay ongoing pa man," Garganera said.

He said that with a WTE, Cebu City's garbage will be used to generate an energy of at least 18,000 megawatts, which could cater to 34,000 to 40,000 households.

"Kay kita man gud diri sa Cebu City wala tay dako nga plain nga kabutangan nato.  So kini siya this could solve the (garbage problem) not just in the city but in the neighboring areas (, too)," Garganera said.

He further said that this WTE project would be realized at no cost to the City, as its construction and operation is being shouldered by New Sky.(CEBU NEWS)