San Pablo City and Alterna Verde Corp. tackle waste management head-on

SAN PABLO CITY. In a press conference held on March 15, 2025, San Pablo City Solid Waste Management Office officials and Alterna Verde Corporation addressed concerns surrounding the city’s waste management operations. Questions had been raised about the city’s partnership with Alterna Verde Corporation, particularly regarding payments made by the city and the acceptance of waste from neighboring towns for a fee.

San Pablo City’s Waste Management Before Alterna Verde Corporation

Before partnering with Alterna Verde Corporation, San Pablo City faced significant challenges in waste disposal. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had previously ordered the closure of numerous landfills nationwide due to seepage and environmental violations, which posed risks to groundwater and ecosystems.

As a result, the city had to transport its waste to Gem Tech in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, an alternative disposal facility, at a cost of approximately ₱180,000 per day.

Clarifying the Role of Alterna Verde Corporation

Alterna Verde Corporation, a company specializing in renewable energy and waste management solutions, emphasized that it collects and processes residential waste in San Pablo City for free. This means the city does not incur costs for the collection and treatment of household waste.

However, the company charges commercial businesses for waste collection and processing, ensuring that business establishments contribute to maintaining sustainable waste management services.

Waste Acceptance from Neighboring Towns

Officials also addressed concerns regarding waste from other municipalities, clarifying that such practices are legally permitted under Philippine law. The Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) allow inter-local government cooperation in waste management. This means cities or municipalities with the capability to process waste can accept waste from neighboring towns, helping smaller LGUs comply with environmental regulations.

Alterna Verde Corporation’s Advanced Waste Processing Technology

Alterna Verde Corporation also highlighted its high-tech facilities and expertise in waste processing, which include:
✔ Bio-Methanation Technology – Converting waste into biogas and electricity
✔ Wind Energy Utilization – Harnessing wind power for renewable energy production
✔ Biofuel Processing – Creating alternative fuel sources from waste materials
✔ Hydroscrew Technology – Generating hydropower from wastewater

With these cutting-edge solutions, the company transforms waste into valuable resources while minimizing environmental impact.

Alterna Verde Corporation fully complies with national waste management and environmental regulations, including DENR standards and ECC requirements. The company actively engages in sustainability initiatives, such as biogas projects, showcasing its commitment to responsible and innovative waste solutions.

Regarding leachate treatment, their expertise in bio-methanation suggests a potential approach to managing leachate, particularly from organic waste sources. Bio-methanation involves anaerobic digestion, where microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and digestate. This method can effectively treat various types of wastewater, including leachate, by reducing organic pollutants and generating usable biogas.

A Matter Beyond Politics

Officials affirmed that waste management has been a key topic in various forums, but they stressed that it must rise above politics. They underscored that waste disposal and environmental protection are not battlegrounds for political agendas but urgent responsibilities. As a highly technical and vital public service, waste management should be driven by sustainability, efficiency, and long-term benefits—ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for the people of San Pablo City.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

The San Pablo City Solid Waste Management Office assured the public that it is working diligently to develop a long-term and sustainable waste management system that will ensure efficient waste processing, environmental protection, and compliance with national regulations.

Together with Alterna Verde Corporation, the city government is committed to innovative solutions that will benefit both present and future generations, ensuring that San Pablo City remains at the forefront of eco-friendly and responsible waste management. Among its goals is to become a model waste-to-energy facility in the nation.

The press conference was facilitated by San Pablo City Solid Waste Management Office head Eng. Jojo Biglete, Alterna Verde Corporation’s CEO and General Manager Nervy C. Santiago, DVM, and Chief Marketing Officer Leovi Andrei E. Mendoza, together with San Pablo City Councilors Carmela Acebedo and Francis Calatraba.