A private water concessionaire has proposed to construct a centralized sewerage system to service and cater to the needs of residents in cities and municipalities located at the eastern portion of Metro Manila.
The Manila Water Company Inc. has already sent the proposal to Taytay Mayor Joric Gacula, who immediately formed a task force to review and determine the viability of the multi-million investment proposal.
Under the proposal, the MWCI will construct a centralized sewerage system in the locality. The facility will serve Taytay, Cainta, Pasig City and other adjoining areas in eastern Metro Manila – for a fee.
But even as he welcomed investment proposals in his locality, Mayor Gacula said that as chief executive of a lakeshore municipality, he cited the need for a check and balance between development and environment protection.
Gacula also cited the need to respect the covenant which they signed at the First Laguna de Bay Summit in Canlubang, Laguna, even as he enjoined fellow public servants to support the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) in pursuing programs designed to preserve, protect, and promote sustainable development at the Laguna de Bay region.
The mayor hinted that Taytay being a lakeshore town is directly affected by any alteration of the lake, whether it be natural phenomenon or man-made, even as he cited the need for measures that would guarantee safety of his constituents located at the lakeshore barangays of his locality.
Expressing support to the LLDA programs, Gacula also enjoined local folks to strictly observe and comply Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
On top of RA 9003, Gacula likewise enjoined local barangays to adhere the anti-dumping ordinance of the province. The youthful mayor has already formed a team tasked to coordinate with the local council for a new ordinance that will provide stiffer penalties against those found in violation of environmental laws.
Gacula also called on the business sector to comply with the provision, which requires all industries to put up an efficient wastewater treatment facility to ensure minimal to tolerable pollution at the Laguna de Bay.
But even as he cited the need for a careful study on the project proposal, Gacula clarified that he has nothing against the idea or the proponent itself. "In fact, I deem it as a welcome idea and laudable project provided that it could guarantee sanitation and safety of my people." (Fernan J. Angeles)
