Haulers raise P.5 million for river rehabilitation

CEBU, Philippines - A Mine Rehabilitation Fund amounting to P500,000 was established involving five industrial sand and gravel (ISAG) permit holders that traverse Sapangdaku river in Toledo City, Cebu to make sure a "just and timely compensation for damages and progressive and sustainable rehabilitation" of any adverse effects their activities may cause.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) - 7 Director Loreto B. Alburo said after the agreement signing with the five permit holders that the management of mining operations and its social and environmental impacts is a shared responsibility.

Each permit holder shares P100,000 to cover expenses for monitoring and indemnification of damages caused by the project and for physical and social rehabilitation of areas and communities affected by the sand and gravel extraction. 

Meanwhile, the DENR recently approved the environmental compliance certificate application of Noramar Memorial Garden Project, a cemetery project in barangay Poblacion, Pinamungajan.

In line with the DENR's approval of the ECC, the Provincial Board committee on planning and development has likewise recommended in a committee report dated March 13, 2012 for the approval of the said project.

Cebu Sixth District PB Member Thadeo Ouano, who chaired the said committee, stated that after a thorough review, it has not found any discrepancy in the project, which has a permit from DENR and Department of Health.

Ouano further stated that the application must be in accordance with the approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and zoning ordinance in the said municipality, thus other development shall also be consistent with the guidelines of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JPM (THE FREEMAN)