Aquino OKs P110M "super structure" for city dumpsite

BAGUIO CITY -- President Benigno Aquino has approved a P110-million "super structure" to rehabilitate the Irisan dumpsite here to contain and process its thousands of tons of biodegradable wastes generated daily.

Baguio City Rep. Bernardo Vergara said the project was an offshoot of the breach of the dumpsite retaining wall at the height of typhoon "Mina," killing five residents last August 27.

"The President, upon our request, immediately ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to look for available funds. Now, the release of the funds is now being handled by the Department of Budget and Management," Vergara said.

He said that the special structure, being funded under the 2011 budget, will be started immediately this month and finished not later than the first quarter of 2012.

The design of the structure, wherein the University of the Cordilleras (UC) participated in, is said to withstand the strength of typhoons and volume of rain and torrents which has already affected the country at the advent of global warming.

Vergara said that efficient and safe management of garbage in this city, being an international tourism destination, is one of the primordial duties of the government. - PNA