500 metric tons of debris shipped out of Guimaras

Petron Corp. shipped out 500 metric tons of oil-covered debris yesterday in line with its commitment to complete its cleanup operations on Guimaras island.

A landing craft tanker (LCT), with a capacity of 2,000 metric tons, left the Cabalagnan wharf in Nueva Valencia town in Guimaras Wednesday afternoon to bring the debris to Holcim Philippines’ Lugait plant in Misamis Oriental where it will be used as alternative fuel and raw material in cement production without compromising the quality of cement, according to Petron.

The high-technology plant will convert the oil-covered debris into energy, ensuring that no hazardous compounds or fumes are produced, it added.

"Holcim has had experience in handling, storing and co-processing of similar materials locally and globally. The global cement manufacturing company is committed to the safe and proper co-processing of waste without compromising the quality of its product and the environment," Petron assured the public in a statement.

"Holcim’s operations are supported by its compliance with all requirements, permits and environmental regulations by government."

Since the end of August, Petron has deployed 15 dump trucks to haul the debris collected from the affected barangays in Guimaras. The company aims to complete disposal operations as soon as possible.

"As we have earlier stressed, we are committed to the people of Guimaras and we will continue our cleanup operations. We have been working closely with the provincial government, the Department of Health and Department of Environment and Natural Resources to expedite the transfer and disposal of the waste from the island," said Caloy Tan, Petron’s health, safety and environment manager.