FIRST HOSPITAL HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY OPENS IN LUMC
By: Ariane Erin C. Amparo, GPC-LUMC | Photo By: Ariane Erin C. Amparo, GPC-LUMC | Date: September 30, 2019
FIRST HOSPITAL HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITIES. Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega and Chief Executive Officer of La Union Medical Center (LUMC) Dr. Glenn Ernest M. Fonbuena accept the keys of responsibility from Chief Operating Officer of Cleanway Environmental Management Solutions Inc. (CEMSI) Bien Isabelo Clarete during the turnover and inauguration ceremonies of the Hazardous Wastes Transfer Station and Storage Facilities at LUMC, Agoo, La Union on September 30, 2019. LUMC is the first hospital in the country to have these facilities.
September 30, 2019 marks a milestone for La Union Medical Center (LUMC) and the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) as the first hospital Hazardous Wastes Transfer Station and Storage Facilities were inaugurated at LUMC, Agoo, La Union. This is a joint venture by the PGLU, LUMC, and the Cleanway Environmental Management Solutions Incorporated (CEMSI).
LUMC is the first hospital in the country to have this kind of facility, which is built for the safe and proper storage of the hospital’s hazardous waste before transporting for treatment and disposal to CEMSI Plant in Cavite.
Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, LUMC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Glenn Ernest M. Fonbuena and CEMSI Chief Operating Officer Bien Isabelo Clarete led the ribbon cutting ceremonies and the signing of the Deed of Donation. Provincial Board Member (BM) Gary N. Pinzon delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III. The ceremonies were witnessed by LUMC Board of Trustees (BOT) Members BM Frank Sibuma, BM Jonathan Justo Orros, Mr. Benjamin N. Dy, BOT Corporate Board Secretary Dr. Geoffrey S. Tilan, and Agoo Councilor Antonio Eslao.
The facility will also service the five district hospitals of La Union. Sooner, it is seen to cater to all hazardous wastes generators in La Union and neighboring provinces.
The establishment of said facility was in compliance with Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990) and pertinent administrative orders of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
A first-time donation by CEMSI, the containment facility consists of two 20-foot insulated container vans, one of which serves as its office and storage area while the other is the waste storage facility.
With the facility, the LUMC pushes for a more hygienic environment to realize a “Healthy La Union, Happy La Union by 2022.”
