IMUS CITY, Cavite — Environment Management Bureau (EMB) Region IV-A Director Noemi A. Paranada recommended on Monday the cancelation of all Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs), of some 33 companies engaged in quarry operations and related activities in San Mateo and Rodriguez towns in Rizal.
The ECC cancelation covers all quarrying companies, including large scale mining firms such as Viba Quarry and Aggregates and Marketing and Montalban Millex Aggregates Corp.
Paranada, in an interview with PNA, said her recommendation stemmed out from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) order for the suspension of all quarrying operations in Rizal on Monday.
Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher ‘Bong’ Go consulted with DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu regarding the perennial flooding problem in Marikina and other low lying areas in Taytay, Rizal.
Over the weekend, many parts of Rizal were submerged in floodwaters affecting 2,344 families, 23 of which were moved to 23 evacuation centers on Sunday.
Paranada, in her letter dated Aug 13, recommended the ECC cancelation, “instead of merely stoppage,” so that these quarrying companies will be re-assessed on their compliance with all environmental laws upon reapplication.
Paranada highlighted the objective of the ECC, “which is to get the proponent’s commitment that their proposed projects or undertakings would not cause significant environmental impacts.”
Paranada said the ECC purpose of planning programs of good environmental governance is apparently being defeated based on verified reports of indiscriminate and surreptitious discharge and disposal of silts by quarry and crushing plant operators in the area.
“The indiscriminate and surreptitious discharging of silts by quarry and crushing plant operators in the Lukutang Maliit and Malaki River, as well as Tanag River are causing heavy siltation of the waterways thus, causing flooding in low lying areas, deterioration of the roads and, without doubt, damage the environment of the nearby communities,” Paranada’s letter read.
“Walang rehabilitation (plan), kawawa ang mga bundok natin, ipasara muna, mag-rehabilitate muna sila,” Paranada said (there’s no rehabilitation, I feel sorry for our mountains, I recommend its closure for them to rehabilitate first).
The ECC cancelation shall take effect upon the DENR Secretary’s approval of her recommendation. (Gladys Pino/PNA)
