DENR taps mining firms for cleanup of Diliman Creek

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has tapped the mining sector for the environmental improvement of one of Quezon City’s major creeks.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje sealed the partnership through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), represented by its president Louie Sarmiento, for the clean up of Diliman Creek and its minor tributaries.

The MOA signing coincided with the PMSEA’s 57th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference held over the weekend in Baguio City.

PMSEA is an organization of mining companies, quarries, cement plants, suppliers, professional organizations and government agencies. It promotes occupational safety in mining and related operations.

Paje said he was pleased that the PMSEA “heeded our call to the private sector to adopt esteros and creeks and assist in their cleanup before we move on to restoring the Pasig River.”

Paje is confident that the partnership would result in significant improvement to the condition of the creek.

 “This program will showcase a successfully concerted effort to reduce pollution in the Diliman Creek and its minor tributaries that will eventually lead to a healthy, clean and safe environment for all the communities surrounding it,” Paje said.

He lauded the PMSEA’S readiness “to provide their expertise in the installation of engineering solutions, as well as assistance in training community leaders on solid waste management and social mobilization.” as provided for in the MOA.

Under the MOA, the PMSEA will undertake the surface clean-up of the identified pilot site, and to assist the DENR and the Quezon City government in information dissemination and community mobilization.

The DENR through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) would implement the provisions of Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and RA 9275, also known as the Clean Water Act.

These include monitoring surrounding establishments and the creek’s water quality, providing technical assistance in establishing a materials recovery facility, and conducting social preparation for key stakeholders.

The Diliman Creek is a tributary of the San Juan River, one of the major tributaries of the Pasig River which empties into the Manila Bay.

The creek’s water quality has deteriorated due to the volume of silt, waste and other debris coming from communities and establishments along its banks.