SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique — The Provincial Government of Antique has taken a major leap toward sustainable healthcare waste management with the installation of a ₱29.96-million thermal decomposition machine at the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH).
Capable of processing up to 5,000 kilograms of hospital waste per day, the new facility slashes waste volume by as much as 90%, offering a long-term solution to the province’s recurring disposal challenges.
“This is our best solution to address our ongoing problem in managing hospital waste,” said Governor Rhodora Cadiao, noting that Antique previously spent ₱10 to ₱15 million annually hauling untreated medical waste.
“With this new machine, we are cutting down costs and improving how we handle biohazardous materials in a safer, more efficient way,” she added.
Unlike traditional incinerators, the thermal decomposition machine uses high heat with minimal oxygen—not open flames—and produces no smoke, making it a cleaner, more environmentally sound alternative.
The machine is part of a broader waste management initiative that includes two six-wheeler trucks worth ₱5.03 million to collect hospital waste from all six district hospitals, as well as a ₱5-million facility built to support 24/7 operations.
According to Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) chief Ma. Vivian Marfil, the facility is now awaiting an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) before it can begin full-scale operations.
Residual waste will be tested before being transported to sanitary landfills.
“This is just the beginning,” said Cadiao, adding that the province plans to equip each district hospital with its own thermal decomposition machine. “We want proper hospital waste disposal to be standard practice across Antique.”
Officials believe the investment will not only protect public health, but also significantly reduce environmental impact, positioning Antique as a national model for sustainable hospital waste management.
