CALAUAN, Laguna — Concern is mounting among residents and officials in neighboring communities after plans for an 84-hectare landfill project in Calauan surfaced, with critics warning its impact could extend far beyond municipal borders.

San Pablo City councilor John Adajar raised alarm over the proposed facility reportedly backed by Calauan Mayor Osel Caratihan, saying its size and location—near the boundary of the two localities—may pose risks to air quality, water sources, public health, and disaster safety. According to Adajar, the project should not be treated as a purely local matter because its environmental effects could reach nearby barangays and even adjacent towns.

Residents of Barangay Imok in Calauan also claimed individuals have allegedly gone around warning people they could face legal action if they oppose the project. These claims have intensified fear and tension within the community, shifting the discussion from waste management to civil participation and transparency.

Supporters of sanitary landfills often argue that modern facilities are necessary to address the country’s growing garbage crisis. Indeed, many municipalities struggle daily with limited disposal sites, illegal dumping, and environmental degradation. However, opponents counter that the key issue is not merely having a landfill — it is where it is placed, how it is managed, and whether affected communities truly have a voice in the decision.

The controversy highlights a recurring challenge in development planning: projects intended as solutions in one locality may become problems for another. Environmental governance is no longer confined to political boundaries, especially when air, water, and ecosystems ignore man-made borders.

As debates continue, the issue raises a broader question about progress and accountability:
If a project benefits one town but risks the well-being of its neighbors, who should have the final say — the host community, the affected communities, or the public at large? (Larawan mula sa: Laguna Report News / Facebook, Philippine News  Agency)