DENR, Negros Occ. LGU Under Fire for ‘Environmental Neglect’

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), and the provincial government have come under fire for failing to address environmental issues impacting Candoni farmers, communities, and the surrounding environment.

The “Save Tablas Movement” recently held a dialogue with a Provincial Environment Management Office representative, who blamed the national government for approving the project of Hacienda Asia Plantation Inc. (HAPI). According to the representative, local authorities lack the power to address the issue, a statement provided to the Daily Guardian said Sunday.

In response, the Group of Environmental Socialists (GOES) Inc. and Green Alert Network (GAN) sent a demand letter to the DENR, calling for the project’s cancellation and the revocation of the Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) granted to HAPI by both DENR Region and National offices, the statement further noted.

“It is disappointing to see the DENR and local government officials shirking their responsibilities and passing the buck to the national government,” Disney Espartero of GAN said.

“The interests of big corporations should not take precedence over the well-being of our farmers, communities, and environment,” he added.

The Save Tablas Movement and its allied groups pledged to continue exposing the harmful effects of the project and vowed not to stop until justice is served for the affected farmers and communities in Candoni, the statement further indicated.

Environmental groups in southern Negros are urging government agencies to halt the continued clearing of the Candoni mountains in Negros Occidental, allegedly to make way for a palm oil plantation.

The palm oil project is reportedly undertaken by Hinoba-an Asia Plantation Inc. (HAPI).

Earlier, GOES Inc., GAN, Negros Island Region Inc., and the Gatuslao Agroforestry Banana Sugarcane and Coconut Farmers Association (GABASCFA) voiced deep concerns over the ongoing clearing of Candoni’s mountains.

Despite receiving confirmation from the Environmental Management Bureau that the project lacks an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), the operations reportedly continue, the groups claimed in a statement.

“We find it unacceptable that the local government of Candoni, under Mayor Ray Ruiz, and the DENR have not taken any action to stop the illegal activities in our community,” the groups stated.

They asserted that the authorities’ lack of response and accountability highlights a significant discrepancy in governance.