In a region that has long promoted itself as a hub for progress and innovation, Clark is now facing mounting challenges in waste management — not necessarily due to a lack of options, but amid concerns that a previously established system was set aside without a comprehensive transition plan.
At the center of the discussion is the newly contracted waste operator, Prime Waste Solutions Pampanga, Inc. (PWS), engaged by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in October 2024 to implement a system anchored on a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Porac, Pampanga.
While the plan has been described as modern and environmentally forward, some observers have raised concerns about the system’s long-term viability — particularly the absence of an integrated landfill component for residual waste.
Without it, critics say, the system may be ill-equipped to ensure secure final disposal in an environmentally sensitive zone like Clark.
“MRF sounds good on paper,” one environmental consultant said, “but without proper landfill infrastructure, you’re just delaying the problem, not solving it.”
Maria Theresa Doble, officer-in-charge of CENRO San Fernando, previously noted that an MRF is not a substitute for a sanitary landfill. She cited Republic Act 9003, which mandates that residual waste must be disposed of within 24 hours.
A Disrupted Operational Continuity?
Prior to PWS, waste operations in Clark were handled by Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWMC), which managed the Kalangitan sanitary landfill for nearly two decades.
While not without criticism, MCWMC maintained a functioning and legally compliant facility that served local governments and private clients across Central Luzon.
MCWMC’s contract expired on October 5, 2024, and was not renewed. CDC cited legal constraints under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law, while the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) pointed to permit and authority-to-operate issues.
Some analysts believe that the transition created a gap in operations and led to implementation challenges under the new setup.
Environmental Permit Questions Surface
Concerns have also been raised by environmental groups over the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) granted to PWS by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region III Environmental Management Bureau.
These groups have questioned whether all necessary public consultations and approvals — such as a Letter of No Objection (LONO) from concerned local governments — were secured prior to the issuance.
Videos circulating online have shown what appear to be wastewater flows and localized flooding near the Porac facility. While these claims remain unverified, and no official statement has been issued by the DENR as of this writing, they have contributed to public uncertainty over the facility’s environmental safeguards.
“We’re not saying Metro Clark was without flaws,” said a local official who requested anonymity. “But they had infrastructure in place. What we have now feels like a work in progress — and people are feeling the growing pains.”
Calls for Legislative Oversight
Reports have emerged that Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. has called for a congressional inquiry into the transition, including the ECC process and national agency oversight.
Advocacy groups are also urging Senator Lito Lapid to take up the issue in the Senate, citing his roots in the region and track record on environmental matters.
“It’s not about which contractor was chosen,” said one civic group. “It’s about ensuring that the system in place serves public interest and environmental safety.”
Looking Ahead
The shift in Clark’s waste management system has reignited broader discussions about infrastructure continuity, public participation, and environmental compliance. While the intention may have been to modernize, critics argue that the transition should have been more deliberate and consultative.
Whether or not the previous operator offered the ideal solution, its track record is now being weighed against the challenges of a new system still finding its footing.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this site.