FPIP representatives Edwin de Chavez and Ro-An Escanilla join PCAPI officials for a group photo following the presentation of three major awards in recognition of FPIP’s exemplary contributions to environmental sustainabilityFirst Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), through its water division FPIP Utilities Inc. (FUI), was recognized with three awards from the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Inc. (PCAPI) for its strong commitment to regeneration and decarbonization.

At PCAPI’s 45th National Annual Convention and General Assembly in Cagayan de Oro City on May 14, 2025, FPIP received the Success Story Award and Mother Nature Award in recognition of its long-term and impactful environmental initiatives. The organization also celebrated the individual award of its pollution control officer for his leadership in championing green initiatives.

The power of hyacinths

One of the initiatives that stood out was FUI’s use of phytoremediation in wastewater treatment, which earned the team its second Success Story Award—a recognition given to projects that address a specific environmental problem.

Led by laboratory quality assurance lead Glenis Narte, this initiative involves placing water hyacinths in process tanks and influent chambers.

In addition to absorbing nutrients, the water hyacinths trap suspended solids, resulting in clearer water and less reliance on costly, energy-intensive treatment methods. Since its implementation in 2023, this Department of Environment and Natural Resources-compliant initiative has effectively reduced chemical and energy consumption, cutting operational costs by nearly P1 million per year.

Environmental responsibility

Additionally, FPIP’s groundbreaking projects in waste management and renewable energy have been honored with the Mother Nature Award. This award is presented to organizations that demonstrated outstanding environmental performance, specifically in pollution control, waste minimization and environmental management systems.

One of FUI’s flagship projects is vermicomposting, conducted at their six-bed facility that can process an estimated 32,000 kilograms of biodegradable byproducts annually. It yields 4,100 kilograms of vermicast, a nutrient-rich fertilizer used to nourish FPIP’s landscaped areas.

According to wastewater operations lead Ro-An Escanilla, their team leverages the natural ability of African night crawlers to turn biosolids into a safe and nutrient-rich soil conditioner. This process has helped cut landfill waste, minimize environmental pollution and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Also contributing to the award is the continuous implementation of the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) led by operations planning manager Engr. Nelson Lontok. The GEOP drives FPIP’s transition to 100% renewable energy, promotes sustainable practices within the community and reduces carbon footprints. It has been rolled out across six facilities, supported by an energy policy that reinforces its commitment to responsible energy management and integration of green practices into the daily operations.

Complementing these efforts are the use of electric vehicles and solar energy systems, the rehabilitation of a portion of the San Juan River, strict wastewater compliance and active participation in the Water Quality Management Area to help safeguard vital water resources.

Meanwhile, FPIP’s pollution control officer, Edwin de Chavez, was named as one of the PCAPI national chapter’s 2025 Outstanding Pollution Control Officers for his exemplary efforts in implementing pollution control measures and environmental management systems. This honor coincides with his 25th year of service in the industry.

Commitment to a regenerative future

In an interview, Engr. Jeremaine Esguerra, head of FUI’s water resource management, expressed her gratitude for the awards: “We are proud recipients of these awards, which reflect the power of our teamwork and shared vision within our organization to drive sustainable change.”

She continued: “Our commitment goes beyond delivering high-quality and reliable services. We are also driven by our responsibility to the environment and the locators and communities we serve. By adopting cutting-edge green solutions, we actively work to reduce our carbon footprint. And through this award, we are even more motivated to keep pushing boundaries and lead the way in building healthier, greener and more resilient communities.”

(Story by:Charizze Henson)