Lito Atienza's Blog
DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA AWARDS COMPANIES WITH EXEMPLARY ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
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Calling them ‘companies with conscience,’ Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (center) honors eight companies that have shown exemplary environmental performance in a simple ceremony held at the DENR’s Social Hall in Quezon City. Leading the awardees in presenting the “DENR Seal of Approval” awarded them under the Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP) implemented by the Environmental Management Bureau is business tycoon Dr. Lucio Tan for Absolut Distillers, Inc. (to Atienza’s left). The other awardees are (from left): Gilbert Javier for Nestle Philippines-Lipa Plant, Amador Alas for Nestle Philippines-Cabuyao Plant, Jess Reyes, also for Nestle Philippines-Cabuyao Plant, Edith de Leon, also for Nestle Philippines-Lipa Plant, Annie Ambay for PSI Technologies, Lloyd Magat for Vishay Philippines, Liza Beronio for STMicroelectronics, Robin Batacandolo for Analog Devices-Gen. Trias, Noel Pabilona and Gina Picandal for ON Semiconductor, and Gerry Tee, also for Absolut Distillers, Inc.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources awarded eight companies with exemplary environmental performance with the “DENR Seal of Approval”.
On hand to receive the awards for their companies include business tycoon Dr. Lucio Tan for Absolut Distillers Inc.; Facilities Manager Robin Batacandolo for Analog Devices-General Trias; Vice-President and Corporate Environment Officer Jess Reyes for Nestle Phils., Inc.-Cabuyao Factory; Sr. Vice-President for Corporate Affairs Edith de Leon for Nestle Phils., – Lipa Factory; Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Manager Noel Pabilona for ON Semiconductor; EHS Manager Anne Ambay for PSI Technologies; EHS Manager Liza Beronio for STMicroelectronics, Inc.; and Facilities Manager Lloyd Magat for Vishay Philippines.
It is very important that we give recognition to companies that give importance to our environment through their strict compliance to environmental standards. The awardee-companies have shown excellence in mitigating pollution by establishing wastewater treatment facilities, thereby contributing to the protection of the country’s important bodies of water such as the Pasig River, Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay.
Aside from the “DENR Seal of Approval,” the awardees were also entitled to some regulatory privileges and assistance such as relaxation of reportorial requirements and simplified requirements for securing an environmental compliance certificate for their expansion projects.
The “DENR Seal of Approval” may be used by the companies in their product labels and other promotional campaigns for a period of one year.
Mabuhay ang mga korporasyong tumutulong sa pangangalaga ng ating kalikasan. We will continue to reward and acknowledge companies which contribute to the sustainability of our environment and our natural resources, while we will penalize those who do not.
The recognition rites was in line with the Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP) of the Environmental Management Bureau, a line agency of the DENR, which seeks to support local industries achieve industry self-regulation through improved environmental performance.
Under the PEPP, a package of incentives and reward mechanisms await companies or industries that voluntarily join the program. Among these are technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of environmental management plan, public awareness-raising, development of industry-specific effluent standards and practical strategies and technologies to enable them comply with prescribed effluent standards.
To qualify for the program, companies must meet three important requirements: they should have no cases filed with the DENR’s Pollution Adjudication Board for at least three years prior to the date of application, they must be in full compliance with all applicable environment laws, and they must be proven to have superior environmental performance by a 3rd party auditor.
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DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA ISSUES NOTICES OF VIOLATION TO 107 ESTABLISHMENTS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN NCR
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That’s a tall order from Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (in floral shirt, upper photo) as he directed the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to look into the illegal dumping of wastes at the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System and to file appropriate charges against concerned local government units. Atienza, who led volunteers from various sectors to clean up the Marilao River as a culminating activity for the Philippine Water Week and World Water Day celebrations (lower photo), was irked to see tons of garbage floating at the Prenza Dam in Marilao, Bulacan. With Secretary Atienza in the photo are (from left to right) Forest Management Bureau Director Marlo Mendoza, Bulacan 4th District Rep. Reylina Nicolas, Mrs. Evelina Atienza, DENR Assistant Secretary David Suarez and Marilao Mayor Epifanio Guillermo.
A total of 107 various establishments, including local and national government agencies, in the National Capital Region (NCR) were issued notices of violations (NOVs) for discharging untreated wastewater without valid permits and for failing to put up wastewater treatment facilities.
The local governments of Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, Malabon, San Juan, Parañaque, Navotas, Makati, Caloocan, Quezon, Taguig and Manila, and 31 national government agencies, including the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), have all been served NOVs by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for failing to put up sewage treatment facilities within their respective offices.
We want these government agencies to know how serious we are in improving the state of Manila Bay and protecting public health. The Supreme Court has already emphasized the extreme necessity for all concerned agencies to immediately act and discharge their respective official duties.
No less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself has directed all government offices in Metro Manila to install or put-up sewage treatment facilities in compliance to the continuing mandamus of the Supreme Court for the immediate rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
Aside from government offices, 66 NOVs were likewise served to commercial establishments and industries that were generally cited either for discharging wastewater that exceeds the DENR standards for effluent or for operating without permit.
For decades, the degradation of Manila Bay continues to take place as it has become the septic tank of industrial and domestic wastes from the National Capital Region and other neighboring regions.
That is why we are demanding compliance from these LGUs, to prevent industrial wastes, sewage water and human waste from flowing into the river, connecting creeks to Manila Bay.
In its 36-page decision in December last year, the SC has directed the DENR and 10 other agencies of the government to fulfill their mandates on a continuing mandamus to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay, and restore its water quality.
I have directed the Environmental Management Bureau to institute measures to assist the polluting companies to upgrade their environmental performance through technical conferences. However, companies who continue to defy DENR orders will be dealt with accordingly.
WATER FIRMS FINED FOR VIOLATION OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT – SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (left) presents the country’s priority water-related programs to address the impending inadequacy of surface water supply by 2015 at the Southeast Asian Business Form, a part of the recently concluded International Water Week and Water Leaders Summit in Singapore. Atienza encouraged the business leaders and water professionals (right) who attended the event to invest in the country’s water sector. Among the viable areas for investments that Atienza identified include desalination, sewerage and wastewater treatment and other water-related projects.
MWSS, MANILA WATER, MAYNILAD FINED P 29.4 MILLION BY DENR – NOVEMBER 5, 2009 BUSINESS MIRROR
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has slapped the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its two water concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water, with a total P29.4-million fine for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9275, or the Clean Water Act.
Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said the fines were imposed for their failure to install and maintain wastewater-treatment facilities (WTFs) within five years after the Clean Water Act took effect on May 2004 as required by law.
“The fine of P29.4 million covers only the period May 7, 2009, to September 30, 2009. If they failed to comply, a fine of P200,000 per day will continue to be imposed on them until such time that they have fully complied with the provision of Section 8 of RA 9274,” Atienza, who is also chairman of the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB), said.
Section 8 of RA 9275 provides that “within five years following the effectivity of this Act, the agency vested to provide water supply and sewerage facilities or concessionaires or both in Metro Manila and highly urbanized cities as defined under Republic Act 7160, in coordination with local governments, shall be required to connect the existing sewerage line found in all subdivisions, condominiums, commercial centers, hotels, sports and recreational facilities, hospitals, market places, public buildings, industrials complex and other similar establishments including households to available sewerage system.”
The water pollution charges filed against MWSS, Maynilad and Manila Water stemmed from the complaints of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regional offices in Metro Manila, Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) and Central Luzon.
The DENR offices in the said regions scored the failure of the three entities to provide, install, operate and maintain WTFs for sewerage system, which has resulted in the degradation of water quality and beneficial use of Meycauayan and Marilao rivers, which drain to the Obando River, and other water bodies that ultimately drain into the Manila Bay, Atienza said.
He cited the continuing writ of mandamus imposed by the Supreme Court on the DENR and other government agencies to protect, rehabilitate and restore the bay’s water quality as the reason for imposing the fines, even to the MWSS, the government’s water regulatory body.
“The Supreme Court has clearly emphasized two things in its decision: One, that the environmental degradation of Manila Bay is ongoing, and therefore there is extreme necessity for all concerned government agencies to immediately act and discharge their respective official duties and obligations; and second, the need to set timetables for the performance and completion of tasks because time is of the essence in the cleanup of Manila Bay,” Atienza explained.
He said the Supreme Court order is clear in its directive to the DENR to fully implement its Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy, while the MWSS was ordered to provide, install, operate and maintain the necessary adequate WTFs in Metro Manila, Rizal and Cavite, where needed, at the earliest possible time.
But in his complaint affidavit filed with the PAB last year, EMB-Metro Manila Director Roberto Sheen pointed out that the failure of the three water agencies to complete the installation of the WTFs resulted in the discharge of untreated wastewater from industries and households in the region directly into the Manila Bay, thereby adversely affecting the implementation of the Manila Bay Operational Plan.
Chemical analyses conducted by EMB-Central Luzon on water samples from the Meycauayan, Marilao and Obando rivers showed that their water quality exceeded the DENR standard for dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand.
SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA WARNS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL THROMBOSIS IN LAGUNA LAKE
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (2nd from right) points to the extensive proliferation of fishpens and other illegal aquaculture structures that crowd the 92,000-hectare Laguna Lake which need to be demolished. The illegal structures occupy up to 36,000 hectares or around 45 percent of the water body. Also in photo are from left: DENR-Region 4A Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission Executive Director Deogracias Tablan, Jr., DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Eli Quinto and Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager Edgardo Manda.
An environmental thrombosis in Laguna de Bay will inevitably occur unless decisive steps are taken against illegal fishpens that are clogging Laguna de Bay. We have clogged the heart of Laguna de Bay with fishpens.
I am reiterating my consistent stand against the proliferation of these aqua structures. Fishpens now occupy as much as 58 percent of the total area of Laguna Lake , exceeding the 10 percent limit set for fishpen belt based on the lake’s Zoning Management Plan.
The Lake has the potential to jumpstart sustainable development in the whole region of Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and even portions of Central Luzon. It is providentially shaped like a heart but is presently suffering from a thrombosis because of its clogged arteries.
The Pasig River , which connects to Manila Bay , is likewise clogged with silt and is also in need of drastic cleaning efforts. The Pasig river is now being dredged by the DENR and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.
There is only one exit point to from Laguna de Bay and that’s the Pasig River, a slight vein that goes out to Manila Bay.
I am disputing claims by other groups that the dismantling of fishpens in the lake would adversely affect some 300,000 fishermen. In reality, there are around 18,000 fisherfolk and some 76,000 families dependent on the lake who will benefit from a fishpen-free Laguna de Bay.
There are studies made on the lake that prior to the proliferation of fishpens in the area, fish catch was up to 82 million kilos or 82,000 metric tons, including 240 million kilos or 240,000 metric tons of shrimps and mollusks. Today, there are no more shrimps or shells, except janitor fish.
There is also a bleak scenario for outlying towns around the lake still submerged in floodwaters. The ebbing of floodwater may take longer than expected unless the DENR’s recommendation against the structures are taken, especially by concerned local government officials.
I’m sorry to say but these areas will remain flooded and will just depend on evaporation unless we clear the passage ways and allow the waters from the lake to flow free.
At the start of the 3rd Senate hearing on climate change, Senator Rodolfo Biazon called my attention to information relayed to him by Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane who said that Laguna Lake rose by 10.4 meters as a result of typhoon “Ondoy,” and that for every 18 inches in the rise of the level of the lake, it will take six months to subside.
The DENR is not focusing on Laguna de Bay alone with respect to the fishpen issue, noting that the situation is same in other important water bodies like Taal Lake , Lake Sebu , Manila Bay , Pampanga River , Bulacan River and Sampaloc Lake .
This has been allowed for the past three or four decades. This is an accumulation of our common neglect. So I hope and pray that the Senate Committee on Climate Change comes up with a very strongly worded recommendation to save our water bodies. This is chaos, anarchy and environmental destruction just waiting to explode again.
SEC LITO ATIENZA: RECENT CALAMITIES CAN BE CATALYSTS TO SOLVING RP’S GARBAGE WOES
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza underscores the need to liberate Laguna Lake of fishpens and other illegal aqua structures not only to allow for the country’s biggest lake to rehabilitate but also to provide small fisherfolk an opportunity to benefit from its bounties. Atienza made the remark during a dialogue with Laguna Lake stakeholders (lower photo) at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City. Also in photo with Sec. Atienza are (from right) DENR Assistant Secretaries David Suarez, Juan Miguel Cuna and Mark Allan Jay Yambao (standing).
The nation’s coming to terms with the garbage problem as a major national concern is a positive side to the recent disaster.
With public sentiments still fresh from typhoons ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’s wrath, this would be the best time for local government authorities to clean esteros and other important water bodies of illegal structures and garbage which aggravated the recent flooding in Regions 3 and the National Capital Region.
Once and for all, let us all take drastic steps in saving our environment even as I am cautioning all government units against taking a laid back attitude on the problem and that the lessons from the recent calamities should never be forgotten even when things have normalized.
Ito na ang pagkakataon nating lahat. The wakeup call came in a very violent manner and took everyone by surprise despite repeated calls to local government officials to pay serious attention to the garbage problem, particularly on the implementation and enforcement of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act No. 9003).
The havoc ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’ wrought the past weeks maybe just a precursor of things to come which would leave the poor to suffer most due to inept local leadership in addressing their constituency’s garbage issues.
Often, the high cost of these calamities are caused not so much by lack of knowledge or resources as by poor governance.
A case in point is what I describe as a knee-jerk reaction by many to use the population issue as a scapegoat for the proliferation of illegal settlers along the shoreline of Laguna de Bay and the presence of illegal fishpens in the bay’s waters. Ang nangyayari, palaging nasisi ay ang bilang ng tao. Pero ang tunay na pagkukulang ay nasa kawalan ng pagpaplano, tamang pagpapaganap, pagpapatupad ng batas. So, huwag nating sisihin yung bilang ng tao sa pagkukulang ng namamahala.
On the recurring issue of fishpens in Laguna Lake, the operators of the structures have benefited from the lake for the longest time and that ridding the lake of the structures will not only translate to higher fish catch of poor fisherfolk, but would, at the same time, help prevent a repeat of the ‘Ondoy’ experience.
Fishpens are a major factor why the 90,000-hectare inland water body is already close to the limits of its capacities and the effects of climate change may push the lake beyond its coping capacities unless real efforts are made to prepare for changes in climate.
Scare tactics employed by fishpen operators who say that this campaign against the structures will eventually result in lowering of fish supply in Metro Manila and would trigger the shooting up of prices of fish.
Tama na. Sobra na. Sobra-sobra na ang kinita nila for so many decades since the 70’s.
DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA ORDERS LLDA TO BAN REPAIR OF RUINED FISHPENS IN LAGUNA LAKE
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Aside from sharing the same birthday, August 10, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (left) and Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales are both ardent environmentalists. In a meeting at the Residencia del Arzobishpo in Manila, Atienza briefed the bishop on the continuing degradation of Laguna Lake’s waters. In turn, Archbishop Rosales, himself a licensed forester, expressed support to Atienza’s efforts to liberate the country’s largest lake of fishpens and other illegal aqua structures in a twin-move to fasttrack the rehabilitation of the lake and rationalize the benefits it provides with all stakeholders, especially the poor fisherfolk.
As DENR Secretary I have ordered the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to impose a total ban on the repair or reconstruction of fishpens and other aqua structures ruined or submerged at the height of typhoon ‘Ondoy.’
This, even as I have expressed frustration over the LLDA’s inability to take control of the lake after my continued directives, thus receiving mere alibis for failure.
I have personally instructed LLDA General Manager Edgar Manda to make sure that destroyed, including submerged fishpens, will not be allowed to be repaired or reconstructed by their operators and owners.
In a memorandum, I have directed GM Manda to impose a total ban on the reconstruction or repair of fishpens either ruined or submerged by typhoon ‘Ondoy.’
Nature herself has done the gargantuan work for us in liberating the lake of fishpens and fishcages, adding that it is now imperative for the LLDA to learn from typhoon Ondoy’s lessons.
This is the best time, more than ever, to take advantage of what nature has initiated, reminding us of the consequences brought by abuse on the environment by some influential, powerful and wealthy individuals and groups. Failure to carry out the memorandum would constrain the Department to take administrative action.
In the memorandum, I have also directed the lake agency to refrain from issuing new permits or renewal of permits for the construction of fishpens and fishcages. In implementing the order, LLDA officials can call on any DENR office, the police and the military for assistance.
The unprecedented volume of rain that befell Metro Manila and neighboring provinces was caused by climate change. However, the massive flooding experienced was the result of man’s irresponsibility to allow garbage and illegal structures to block the country’s man-made and natural drainage systems.
NO BACKING OFF IN MANILA BAY CLEARING OPERATIONS – SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA
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DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and Cavite Governor Ayong Maliksi oversee the demolition of fishpens and fishcages along the Bacoor shoreline. This project is being being carried out by the DENR - Manila Bay Law Enforcement Team led by Assistant Secretary For Field Operations Jayjay Yambao, in accordance with the recent Supreme Court ruling ordering all concerned government agencies to start the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
We will not budge or back off in our duty to clear Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay and Taal Lake of illegal fish pens even with the presence of armed men threatening our people.
This was my message to local executives and other sectors opposing the ongoing demolition of fish pens in the three water bodies during the weekly Balitaan at Rembrandt Hotel.
I issued the statement after some local executives and other organizations posing as poor fisherfolk strongly opposed the clearing operations being undertaken jointly by the DENR and the provincial governments of Cavite and Batangas.
This debunks the claims of oppositors that the ongoing clearing operations of fish pens and fish cages will adversely affect the poor fishermen in the area.
How would this activity affect our poor fisherman when these fish pens block his way and is threatened by armed men the moment he paddles near guarded the fish pens?
Based on records, fish pens are owned by rich and influential people from the military and the police, Congress, and even local executive.Fish pens cannot be owned by poor fishermen, and the claim that the ongoing activity will affect them is untrue.
I cannot turn my back now from my responsibility as DENR chief to protect the environment and provide the poor the opportunity to benefit from these water bodies now that the Supreme Court has already ordered the clean up of Manila Bay.
We are definitely decided and more committed now as before to pursue the clean up of the lake areas not only to restore the good quality of water in Laguna de Bay , Manila Bay and Taal Lake to their former grandeur but also to give the poor the opportunity to have access to the fishing grounds that were rightfully theirs.
I personally joined an aerial survey in Laguna Lake and found that fish pens occupy about 80% of the lake which, according to him, is one of the biggest anomalous situations and a clear abuse on the environment by a few.
The DENR is committed to remove all the illegal structures that choke the waters to improve water quality and navigational path.
In a related development, I also called on the youth and all other stakeholders that participated in the International Coastal Clean Up Day over the weekend to be vigilant and develop a new mindset on the need to clean up waterways, saying that Manila Bay, along with Laguna de Bay and Taal Lake, can become an engine of economic development not only for Metro Manila but for the whole country as well.
This is the true message of this day — we must be vigilant and develop a new mindset; that it is our responsibility as Filipinos to protect and restore the good qualities of our water bodies for our benefit and that of future generations.
More than 2,000 volunteers trooped to the Paranaque-Las Pinas Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area in San Dionisio, Paranaque City to participate in the annual observance of International Coastal Clean Up Day organized by the DENR. The volunteers were comprised mostly of students from various schools, colleges and universities from the National Capital Region, employees of various government agencies, officials and personnel of the Paranaque City government led by Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr., representatives of non-government organizations and the private sector.
Leading the clean up exercise, I urged the participants to continuously support the government in its effort to clean up waterways. He particularly called on the local government units to ensure that the water bodies within their political jurisdiction are protected.
We need the help of all stakeholders, particularly the LGUs, to ensure that the environment is protected and sustainable economic development is realized.
There are two sources of pollution of water bodies surrounding Metro Manila. These are the domestic waste and industrial waste from households and industries, and the fish pens that proliferate in the area.
The DENR is addressing the two issues by ordering the two water concessionaires to construct wastewater treatment facilities, and the ongoing clearing operations in Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, and Taal Lake.
ATIENZA CRACKS WHIP ON LGUs FOR THE CONTINUED POLLUTION OF MARILAO-MEYCAUAYAN-OBANDO RIVER
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (center) stresses the need for a collective effort among local government officials in the clean up of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System, a vital tributary that drains into Manila Bay. Atienza gave the concerned local officials 30 days to rid the river system of garbage, warning them of administrative charges should they fail to meet the deadline. Attending the stakeholders meeting held at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City are representatives of LGUs of Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan, Marilao, Obando and Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
The DENR has issued a 30-day deadline to local officials to start cleaning up the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system in Bulacan of garbage.
During a stakeholders’ meeting at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City, I stressed the need for a collective effort among the seven local government units of Caloocan and Valenzuela in Metro Manila, and of San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan, Marilao, Obando and Sta. Maria in Bulacan. The local officials of the said cities and municipalities have been warned that they will be facing administrative charges before the environmental courts should they fail in the rehabilitation of the river system. The Marilao River, which stretches up to 55 kilometers, has been identified as one of the dirtiest rivers in the world by The Blacksmith Institute.
Analysis of the water quality of the river showed excessive levels of heavy metals such as lead, chromium and cadmium, as well as a zero level of dissolved oxygen and exorbitantly high levels of organic pollution. The sources of pollution can also be attributed to heavy industries along the banks of the river such as textile dyeing factories, gold refineries, poultry and livestock growers and food manufacturing businesses.
The continuing mandamus imposed by the Supreme Court last December for Manila Bay’s rehabilitation obligates us at the DENR to take the necessary legal recourse to compel the concerned local government units to do their part in cleaning their rivers whose polluted state directly impacts on the condition of Manila Bay.
At the same time, we called on barangay captains, barangay tanods and other barangay officials to actively help in the clean up effort.
Enough has been done to analyze why the river is dirty, and putting a stop to wanton throwing of garbage into it is the first step.
Last July 9, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau sent notices of violation to the seven LGUs for violation of Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, ranging for failure to institute measures on waste segregation (Article 2, sections 21 and 22), collection and transport of solid wastes (Article 3, sections 23 and 24) and on the prohibition against the use of open dumpsites (Article 5, section 37).
Among the provisions under the RA 9003 that the seven LGUs violated are segregation of wastes at source; the collection and transport of solid waste; the establishment of LGU Materials Recovery Facilities; and the prohibition against the use of open and controlled dumps.
I made a surprise inspection of the river in Prenza Dam in Marilao last March to personally assess the progress of the river clean up agreed by the concerned LGUs and the DENR, only to be find the presence of garbage, mostly generated by households, floating in the river. The Prenza Dam was literally covered by a mountain of garbage and instead of serving its function as a water reservoir, the dam looked like a badly managed open dumpsite.
Business leaders unite to revive Pasig River
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Business leaders unite to revive Pasig River
By Faizza Farinna Tanggol, The Philippine Star, July 19, 2009
ABS-CBN president/COO Charo Santos-Concio, Ayala Corp. president/COO Fernando Zobel, Manila Water president Rene Almendraz (hidden) and Aboitiz Transport System president/CEO Endika Aboitiz listen during the meeting last July 13 of the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig. In lower left photo, San Miguel Corp. president/COO Ramon Ang chats with Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation.
MANILA, Philippines – Business tycoons managed to find time from their busy schedules last July 13 to help lead the effort to save Pasig River.
Ayala Corp. president and chief operating officer Fernando Zobel, San Miguel Corp. president and COO Ramon Ang, Aboitiz Transport System president and chief executive officer Endika Aboitiz, ABS-CBN president and COO Charo Santos-Concio, SM Investments vice chairman Tessie Coson-Sy represented by SM Foundation executive director Debbie Sy, Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, Philippine STAR editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte, Globe Asiatique president Delfin Lee, Herma Group of Co. president and CEO Hermie Esguerra, Manila Water president Rene Almendraz, and Maynilad president Babes Singson formed the Advisory Board of Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig, the newest project of ABS-CBN Foundation in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) that aims to rehabilitate the Pasig River and its tributaries.
Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) has focused its efforts on Estero de Paco this year.
“Cleaning of Estero de Paco is very important,” said Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation. “If we do it in Paco, we will show it can be done. That success will snowball and pave the way for other possibilities.”
The KBPIP has declared the whole 2.9-kilometer stretch of Estero de Paco as a Clean River Zone.
The KBPIP has already begun the voluntary relocation of the informal settlers living along the banks of Estero de Paco. The families have been moved to “Bayanijuan sa Calauan,” the official resettlement site of KBPIP in Laguna.
The National Housing Authority and ABS-CBN Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement to co-manage the 107-hectare Calauan site.
“I am glad that ABS-CBN Foundation has invaluable partners,” declared Lopez. “Working together really renders significant results. This meeting is really about presenting the Pasig project to the Board and have everyone own it so it will really be a kapit-bisig project.”
The meeting was held at Rockwell in Makati City.
The Philippine STAR has also shown unswerving support for the Pasig River project. Lopez has her monthly column in The STAR where she writes about Pasig River from time to time.
More than that, however, The STAR is linking arms with the KBPIP by providing constant media coverage for its activities and achievements.
“The role of media is key in raising the consciousness of people, in awakening hope,” said Lopez. “With such strong backing from the private sector and media, I have no doubt that we will be able to clean this river.”
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Find out how you can help. Call the KBPIP at its Bayan hotlines 410-2753 to 55 or e-mail at ilogpasig@abs-cbn.com or kapitbisigparasailogpasig@gmail.com. Contribute to Piso Para sa Ilog Pasig by texting GIVE ILOG then send it to 2366 for Globe, TM, Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular. You may also deposit directly at its BDO account number 393-0078222, Scout Albano branch.
DENR issues notices of violations to 96 companies surrounding Manila Bay
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza (in tropical shirt) and Cavite Gov.Ireneo “Ayong” Maliksi (right) oversee last Wednesday (Feb. 4) the dismantling of one of 12 newly-built fishcages that had been demolished in Cavite last year to rid the Cavite side of the Manila bay of illegal structures. The recent demolition is part of government’s efforts to clear the entire bay area of illegal structures mandated in a recent Supreme Court decision calling for the full rehabilitation of Manila Bay. Also in photo is Mayor Florencio Bernabe of Parañaque City where 25 illegal fishcages, including 60 others in Las Piñas, were also dismantled.
A total of 96 companies surrounding the Manila Bay area were issued notices of violations (NOVs) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) arising from their wanton discharge of untreated wastewater and for lack of environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and other valid permits.
The Environmental Management Bureau, a line agency under the DENR, has stepped up its monitoring of firms along the Manila Bay region in light of the Supreme Court decision last year for the immediate rehabilitation of the country’s premier bay famous for its golden sunset.
We want these companies to know how serious we are in improving the state of Manila Bay and protecting public health. Companies that refuse to clean up their acts will be closed down and will never be allowed to operate.
Of the 96 companies issued with NOVs, 43 were located in Metro Manila, 31 were within Region 3 and 22 in Region 4A.
In Region 3, 22 companies were cited for operating without environmental compliance certificates in violation of P.D. 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System; 17 for violating the Clean Air Act (RA 8749; eight for violating the Clean Water Act (RA 9275) and two for violating the Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Act (RA 6969). The rest of the companies in Metro Manila and Region 4A were generally cited either for discharging wastewater that exceeds the DENR standards for effluent or for operating without the required permits.
I have also directed the EMB to institute measures to assist the polluting companies to upgrade their environmental performance through technical conferences. However, companies who continue to defy DENR orders will be dealt with accordingly.
We are not against development. We support Filipino companies and we want them to succeed in their business ventures because they provide livelihood to our people and revenues for the government. But, at the same time, we want them to improve on their environmental performance because there is no other way for the country to move forward and attain sustainable development but for all of us to do our share in protecting our environment.
In its 36-page decision in December last year, the SC has directed the DENR and 10 other agencies of the government to fulfill their mandates “on a continuing mandamus” to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay, and restore its water quality.
The SC also specifically ordered the DENR to fully implement its Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy (OPMBCS). Through the OPMBCS, the DENR aims to reduce adverse impacts from land-based activities and revive Manila Bay.
For decades, the degradation of Manila Bay continues to take place as it has become the “septic tank” of industrial and domestic wastes from the National Capital Region and other neighboring regions.
The high court took note of the on-going environmental degradation of Manila Bay that is why it emphasized the extreme necessity for all concerned agencies to immediately act and discharge their respective official duties and mandates on a continuing mandamus.
