ECC downgrade of Balili property sought

CEBU, Philippines - After a conference with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources yesterday, a downgrade in the level of the Environment Compliance Certificate has been applied by the Province of Cebu for the controversial Balili property.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr. Adolfo Quiroga said that he asked for the downgrade in the ECC of the Balili property since it was initially the plan upon application for a sanitary landfill.

Although their meeting was cut short and moved to February 13, Quiroga said he was still able to justify the developments in the Balili property which has been the subject of the alleged violation of the province seen by DENR.

“Amo giklaro didto na wala’y violation,” he said.

Recently, the office of the Environmental Management Bureau of DENR wrote to Quiroga, seeking for clarification on the reported developments inside the Balili property which was not indicated in the application for an ECC.

The office of EMB stressed that the province violated provisions of the ECC applied since upon application of an ECC, it was stated that coal ash would be dumped in the area, thus the provision of an ECC for a secured landfill.

But Quiroga earlier explained that instead of coal ash which has already been sold to Cemex, they have filled the fishpond area inside the property with limestone and soil.

He also said that initially, they applied for an ECC for a sanitary landfill but was told by DENR that they could have an ECC for a secured landfill instead which is higher.

Quiroga said that in their next conference, they will still be defending the developments of the property as well as seek for the amendment of the ECC.  â€“(FREEMAN)