Sea coastline of Babak District, the center of Samal Island
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is currently checking on the sea coastlines and beaches in Samal Island.
The move is in line with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu’s directive to intensify monitoring efforts against establishments in the island that are violating environmental laws.
According to Victor Billones, Chief of Davao Del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO,) they are particularly monitoring structures that lack water treatment facility and water discharge permit among other violations.
“What is clear sa ngayon ay wala pang sewerage and treatment facility ang island. So I think para mapaghandaan natin yung situation na ganun na magkaproblema tayo sa waste and water pollution, kailangan talagang i-prioritize,” he said.
(What is clear at the moment is that the island has no sewerage and treatment facility yet. So I think, we need to prioritize it to prevent future problems with waste and water pollution.)
Billones added that from more than a hundred commercial establishments in the island, only two have special treatment facility for wastewater.
“Over the 100 plus, upon verification with the EMB, only 15 lang yung may (have) ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate). Mayroon dun sa (Among the) private establishments, mayroon lang 32 ang (only 32 had been) issued with ECC . That’s a total of 47. Of the 47, dalawa lang ang mayroong (only two have) special treatment facility,” revealed Billones.
DENR is also inspecting all establishments for violations of the imposed easement zone and the proper solid waste management system of the agency.
As of today, DENR has already completed its inspections on ten barangays in Babak District, the center of Samal Island.
Billones said the inspection will last for a month after which PENRO will submit its findings to DENR Region 11 for appropriate actions. — By Dianne Ventura and Marje Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue
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