Lacson seeks permit for lahar clearing in creek

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson said he needs a special permit from the national government to allow commercial contractors to clear lahar residues in a creek in La Castellana.

Lacson, who met with local officials in the town, said depending solely on government equipment would prolong the clearing operations.

He noted that several private contractors have expressed interest in extracting the lahar materials.

“I cannot just give a permit without approval from the national level,” he told reporters Thursday.

He added, “We will see if they will allow the governor to issue a special permit. My purpose is to hasten the clearing of lahar residues.”

The governor said commercial contractors would be required to pay fees to the provincial government for the materials, similar to quarry operations but limited to lahar extraction.

“This is specifically for lahar. Of course, the provincial government will charge them,” he stressed.

Earlier, the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park–Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Committee agreed to grant authority to Lacson to issue a special permit related to the ongoing clearing operations at Ibid Creek in Barangay Biaknabato, La Castellana.

According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Negros Island Region Director Charlie Fabre, the PAMB en banc will convene on Sept. 25 to approve a resolution formally seeking authority for the governor to issue the special permit.

The resolution will also cover monitoring and control measures on the disposal of volcanic materials collected from the creek.

Fabre said the volcanic materials extracted may only be transported within Kanlaon-affected local government units and could be used for construction or rehabilitation projects.

“The en banc will approve the resolution, and then we will forward it to Secretary [Raphael] Lotilla for final approval. Once approved, the governor can issue the special permit,” Fabre said.

Fifth District Rep. Emilio Dino Yulo, who also attended the meeting, assured he would personally follow up on the resolution once it reaches the national level.

During an ocular inspection of the clearing site, Fabre stressed the urgency of removing the volcanic debris, noting that if left in place, heavy rains could cause the materials to flow back into the cleared areas.

The lahar residues from Kanlaon Volcano have clogged the Ibid Creek in Barangay Biaknabato, causing recent flooding that forced residents to evacuate.