Brgy folks endorse proposed cement plant

CEBU - The residents of South Poblacion, San Fernando have withdrawn their opposition to the proposed construction of a cement plant in their area and signed a manifesto of support for the project.

A total of 2,235 residents of the barangay signed the manifesto endorsing the project to the municipal officials and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The same group of people earlier signed a petition vehemently opposing the proposed construction of a cement processing plant by the Mabuhay Filcement Incorporated, citing possible threats to their health as primary ground for their opposition.

However, after the benefits that they would get out of the plant operation were explained to them, the residents decided to withdraw their opposition.

According to them, the plant would address the demand for cement supply in the community and would give them, and even the people nearby, a livelihood.

The residents claimed that even if the company has yet to operate, they have already enjoyed the benefits from the Filcement Incorporated.

Filcement Incorporated is a cement company owned by the family of Cebuano businessman Enrique Benedicto. The company proposed to build a cement processing plant in South Poblacion, San Fernando which is expected to produce 45,000 bags of Portland and Pozzoland cement daily.

Niel Papas, media liaison officer of the company, assured the public that the company will comply with all the requirements set by the DENR to ensure that the public’s health will not be compromised.

Papas said there is also no truth to the earlier apprehension that the town’s water supply will be exhausted as soon as the plant starts to operate. He explained that based on the study conducted by the University of San Carlos Water Resource Center, the quaternary alluvium aquifer of San Fernando has a surplus of 45,769.59 cubic meter everyday from the groundwater flow and recharge by precipitation.

Papas said that the company will only use 20 cubic meter daily which will also be recycled. — Fred P. Languido/WAB (THE FREEMAN)