Negros Occ Governor: Palm Oil Work Partially Halted

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed that operations at a palm oil plantation in Candoni town have been partially suspended.

Lacson said Hacienda Asia Plantation Inc. (HAPI), which manages the plantation, has agreed to comply with a cease-and-desist order issued by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6.

He said HAPI has stopped “earth-moving activities” related to the plantation operations.

HAPI also informed Lacson through a letter that it would comply with the provincial government’s request to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

The company also ceased quarrying, road construction and other site activities.

Lacson said Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla personally spoke to HAPI’s owner and instructed them to fulfill all necessary environmental requirements.

However, the governor noted that while quarrying and earth-moving work have been halted, other plantation operations are still ongoing.

The Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment (NICE), a civil society group, welcomed Lacson’s action following its June 5 online petition launched on World Environment Day.

Bishop Gerardo “Gerry” Alminaza, chair of NICE Wisdom Council and bishop of San Carlos, urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to act swiftly.

“We urge Secretary Lotilla and the DENR to come to Negros and listen to the voices on the ground — especially those most impacted by this plantation,” Alminaza said.

He warned that every day HAPI continues operations, “irreversible damage is being done to our forests, watersheds, wildlife and communities.”

Earlier, Lacson requested the EMB to issue the cease-and-desist order against HAPI’s earth-moving activities.

He also sought the intervention of Secretary Lotilla, citing HAPI’s lack of an ECC.

“The CDO issued by EMB is also in response to our letter requesting them to issue such an order,” Lacson said.

He acknowledged the agency’s prompt action and its exercise of regulatory authority.

Candoni Mayor Ray Ruiz also issued a final notice ordering the suspension of HAPI’s operations unless the firm secures an ECC.