Laoag City—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau Region I (DENR-EMB RI) granted PHP25.5 million to the Ilocos Norte provincial government to fund the construction of a plastic recycling and resource recovery facility (PRRF) at Brgy. Imelda in Marcos town, Ilocos Norte.
On January 22, 2020, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc signed a memorandum of agreement with EMB Regional Director Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe to officially turn over the fund.
Engr. Naz-Hipe applauded the initiative of the province, saying: “Sa buong Pilipinas, Ilocos Norte is one of the very few provinces na nakakuha ng ganitong kalaking halaga under the administration of President [Rodrigo] Duterte. We congratulate you for having availed this assistance and we do hope that it will be a successful project. Magingmodel project ito na pwedeng bisitahin din ng ibang local government units para ma-replicate sa ibang rehiyon,” she added.
PHP20 million of the cash grant is allocated for the construction of the facility while the remaining PHP5.5 million is for the procurement of several equipment.
“We will also be supplementing that [cash assistance] with some of our own machines that we will purchase to complete the facility,” Mr. Manotoc shared.
The provincial government will procure a sewage vacuum truck, a shredding machine with conveyor, and a pulverizing machine with conveyor.
“I am sure this will be a long way in our push towards a greener and more responsible Ilocos Norte in terms of environment and we must continue to uphold our reputation as the Renewable Energy Capital not only in the Philippines but also in the Southeast Asia,” the governor expressed.
Alongside the improvement of the health sector, Mr. Manotoc also prioritizes the protection of environment and the sustainability of Ilocos Norte’s natural resources. (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)