FPIP Celebrates Triple Awards for Outstanding Environmental Leadership
Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), through its water division FPIP Utilities, Incorporated (FUI), was recognized with three (3) prestigious 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 on May 14, 2025, at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, FPIP received the Success Story Award and Mother Nature Award in recognition of its long-term and impactful environmental initiatives that address key issues, such as water quality, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. The organization also celebrated the individual award of its Pollution Control Officer for his leadership in championing green initiatives.
Harnessing the Power of Water 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. These floating plants naturally absorb nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, helping lower harmful substances, such as ammonia, nitrates, and chemical oxygen demand.
In addition to absorbing nutrients, these water hyacinths also trap suspended solids, resulting in clearer water and less reliance on costly, energy-intensive treatment methods. Since its implementation in 2023, this DENR-compliant initiative has effectively reduced chemical and energy consumption, cutting operational costs by nearly Php1 million per year.
Fostering Environmental Responsibility
FPIP’s groundbreaking projects in waste management and renewable energy have also 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 32,000kg of biodegradable byproducts annually. It also yields 4,100kg vermicast, a nutrient-rich fertilizer that is used to nourish FPIP’s landscaped areas, as part of the park’s re-greening initiative after its development.
According to Wastewater Operations Lead Ro-An Escanilla, their team leverages the natural ability of earthworms called 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 (6) 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 (EVs) 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 (WQMA) to help safeguard vital water resources like the San Juan River.
Celebrating Environmental Leadership
FPIP’s Pollution Control Officer (PCO) Edwin de Chavez was named as one of PCAPI National Chapter’s 2025 Outstanding Pollution Control Officers (TOPCO) 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.
He has led key initiatives, including FUI’s formal participation in the Adopt-A-River Program, estero cleanup drives, and improvements in wastewater discharge quality. He also implemented process adjustments aligned with FPIP’s GEOP, lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in daily operations.
Commitment to a Regenerative and Decarbonized Future
In an interview, Engr. Jeremaine Esguerra, Head of FUI’s Water Resource Management, expressed her gratitude for the awards received, “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.”
FUI currently provides water and wastewater services to over 150 FPIP and FIT locators, as well as a diverse range of institutions and organizations across the National Capital Region (NCR) and Regions IV-A and IV-B. It has been integrating DENR-approved green technologies and biomimicry practices, setting a benchmark for sustainable industrial development and environmental stewardship in the industry.
