Editorial

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM 

DENR Approves ECC of Metallica Marine Shipyard

A bitter controversy between Engr. Jonathan R. Salvador, Head of Metallica Marine Consultancy Fabrication and Services and New Washington Mayor Edgar Peralta finally ended with the release of approved Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by DENR. The ECC is dated October 14, 2013 signed by Atty. Jonathan P. Bulos, OIC Regional Director, DENR. 

In a presscon held in Poblacion, Kalibo on October 16, 2013, Engr. Salvador cited the chronology of events from the time he filed his ECC application with DENR on April 15, 2013 to this date. He recalled the red tape encountered while securing his Mayor’s Permit, Business Permit, and Zoning Clearance. from LGU New Washington. Salvador provided copies of documents to the Aklan media members he submitted in support to his ECC application. These are: Transfer Certificate of Title, Site Development Plan, Survey Plan, Tax Declaration, Contract of Lease, Deed of Absolute Sale of portion of land that will constitute the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as required by DAO 2003-30 and MC 2007-02.

On June 7, 2013, the ECC was approved by DENR but held in abeyance pending payment by the proponent in violation of PD 1586 because of late registration. New Washington Mayor Edgar Peralta on June 25, 2013 filed a formal complaint with DENR against the Metallica Marine Shipyard project in Polo, New Washington alleging that it has no Mayor’s Permit, Business Permit and ECC. Other charges Peralta cited are the lack of barangay clearance and its being pollutive/hazardous nature of enterprise that would exacerbate the already precarious situation of Lagatik river ecosystem.

This was vehemently denied by the respondent, Salvador in a presscon held on July 9, 2013 at “The Yard”, Polo, New Washington where photocopies of legal documents like the Mayor’s permit, and Business Permit. Fully operational is the stabilization pond for solid and liquid wastes.

Mr. Levi Rogando, former New Washington SB member decried the glaring inconsistencies in filing complaints against Metallica Marine Shipyard. For instance, report of river pollution, declining fish catch by Pinamuk-an Fisherfolks Assn. must be supported by tangible and verifiable evidence secured from authorities like DENR, DOH, DA-BFAR. Local aldermen is in no position to conduct these investigations by themselves. Otherwise, complaints could be plain hearsy or harassment. One cannot overlook the fact that a fish cage is currently operating downstream of the project site, yet no fish kill of any sort or human poisoning has occurred since January 2013 until today. A big time fishing operator, Ms. Editha Sazon has a sizeable fishpond nearby and yet there is no pollution–related incident.

The concern on river pollution stems with the use of polyester resin and fiberglass materials in its shipbuilding and repair work. The result of ambient water quality tests conducted by Negros Prawn Producers Cooperative Analytical and Diagnostic Laboratory on August 30, 2013 shows no water pollution whatsoever. The standard Ph is not more than 8.5; Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is 12 or slightly higher than the standard of 10mg/li but considered normal since the area is a major navigable waterway. The total suspended solids is way below the 30.0 mg/li standard norm.

On the other hand, laboratory analysis conducted by DENR on three sites which are the (mouth of Malogo Creek, Upstream and Downstream Lagatik river) in August and October 2013 show similar findings. These strongly prove that the operation and management of the light industrial facility at Polo, New Washington are above board like the compliance of existing laws and mitigating adverse environmental problems right at the very start of the project.

The Chief Executive (Mayor Peralta) must be aware and cognizant of basic facts in this case since he could not be complainant and judge at the same time. The final arbiter is the DENR who has sole power either to approve or disapprove the ECC application. Rational thinking is distorted if political bias holds sway.

Engr. Salvador points out that New Washington has high levels of air and water pollution because of non-enforcement of environmental laws like Solid Waste Management and the Clean Air Act. Its abattoir rakes up an estimated 590 kgms. of solid wastes per week However, these are never disposed off properly as to convert it into fertilizer. Dumping site does not follow international standards as to construction of sanitary landfill. Garbage is not re-used, reduced or recycled because there is no Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operated by LGU New Washington.

The huge Lagatik river basin serves as convenient sinkhole of garbage by many households living closed to the waterway thus significantly reducing its fishery potentials. These concerns should rather be addressed by the Mayor of New Washington instead of stifling legitimate rights of small businessmen.

The target capacity of the shipbuilding and repair facility is a maximum production of four modest inter island vessels per year. Hence, the management provides full time employment and training to 24 laborers. Engr. Salvador said more jobless persons may be employed in the near future. It also provides additional income to New Washington. Based on local BIR taxpayer listing Metallica Marine Shipyard now ranks second to Sampaguita Gardens in terms of annual remittance.

Engr. Salvador believes that it pays to stand up for what one believes although it cost enormous money and damage reputation. He credits his success to God, immediate family members, friends and investors in the Metallica Marine Fabrication and Dumaguit – Batan Ferries Corp. and the tri-media.

The release of ECC was effected after Engr. Salvador paid the P25,000 fine and penalties for late registration. DENR underscores that the compliance to the environmental aspect of ECC will continue during the project operation and even until the abandonment of the project. /MP