ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9, through the Environment Management Bureau (EMB)-9, strictly monitors water quality guidelines along the communities of Caragasan to Talisayan coastal areas in the city.
A comprehensive environmental compliance audit conducted on all canning industry within Zamboanga City revealed four facilities, which include; Mega Fishing Corporation, ZC E&L Corporation, Century Pacific Food Incorporated, and Southwest Asian Canning Corporation, were discharging effluent into Caragasan to Talisayan coastal water class that exceeded the allowable DENR effluent standards.
EMB-9 Regional Director Engr. Alex Jimenez issued a Cease and Desist Orders (CDO) under the provisions of the RA 9275, also known as the Clean Water Act of 2024, which shall be effective for a period not longer than seven days. Factories with CDO are prohibited from discharging their wastewater to water bodies.
“Water Pollution can reduce fish populations, affecting local fishing industries and communities that rely on them for livelihood” Engr. Jimenez identified the violations of sardine canning factories during the special edition of PIA Kapihan na Zamboanga.
According to Engr. Jimenez, the discharging of effluent in the coastal water of Caragasan to Talisayan contributes to environmental, social, and community damage.
In line with these, the factories with CDO are required to submit a comprehensive pollution control program (PCP) that includes the plans and specification of the respondent’s anti-pollution facility, budget, and the Gantt chart of activities and a surety bond equivalent to 25% of the total cost of the pollution control program.
Failing to comply with CDO is punishable by existing rules and regulations and may warrant criminal and administrative liabilities.
DENR and EMB-9 provide technical assistance to enhance the operations and efficiency of the wastewater treatment facility. The validation and compliance monitoring for the firm currently under a cease and desist order will be the top priority.
“The DENR and EMB-9 will continue to work closely with the canning industry and other stakeholders to facilitate compliance, foster responsible environmental stewardship, and ensure sustainable development.” Engr. Jimenez added ensuring its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and regulations for the protection and preservation of the environment. (EDT/MLE/DBE-GIP/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)
