DENR lifts closure order on Irisan dumpsite, gives Baguio City until Dec 31 for conversion into eco-park

THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has lifted the June 26 cease and desist (CDO) order against the Irisan dumpsite in Baguio City, with several conditions, including a Dec. 31 deadline for the conversion of the site into an ecological park. In a letter dated July 1, a copy of which was posted by the Baguio City government on its Facebook page, DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph C. Pablo said the local government’s “explanation” for its failure to comply with the 2012 permanent closure order on the dumpsite was “reasonably implementable.” Three of the four conditions set by DENR Cordillera Administrative Region office with a July 31 deadline are: Clear out all mixed waste (raw compost and plastics) from the site; install and operationalize all equipment identified in the city government’s conversion plan; and collect only biodegradable waste and no storage of any residual waste outside the Environmental Recycling System. The 4th condition is the conversion of the Irisan dumpsite into an “Environmental-Friendly Eco-Park” not later than Dec. 31 this year. The 5.2-hectare dumpsite, which was already ordered closed by the National Solid Waste Management Commission in 2012, was issued a CDO following a visit to the site last week by DENR Undersecretary Benny D. Antiporda.