Benguet backs dumpsite closure
MEMBERS of the Benguet Provincial Board has supported the move of the municipality of Tuba invoking the strict implementation of laws to stop the operations of the Baguio City Irisan dumpsite.
During Monday’s regular session, Board Member Nestor Fongwan Jr., who chairs committee on environment and natural resources backed a resolution by Tuba for the strict implementation of the
permanent environment protection order (PEPO) and the writ of continuing mandamus against the city.
“There is standing order of the court which should be respected,” added Fongwan Jr.
Tuba officials said there is a continuous dumping of waste by the city while leachate from the environmental recycling system (ERS) visibly seen flowing directly to the drainage canal.
The resolution approved by Mayor Ignacio Rivera claimed during the joint ocular inspection conducted on April 11, 2018, there seem to be a blatant violation of the provisions of the Writ of Kalikasan.
“The court granted the privilege of the Writ of Kalikasan and Writ of Continuing Mandamus against the city Government of Baguio on August 10,2012 whereby among others the City of Baguio, the respondents and all those who may hereafter succeed them shall heretofore cease and desist from utilizing the same as an open or controlled dumpsite or as holding and staging,” the resolution adds.
Residents from Sinco, Tadiangan in Tuba on December 30, 2016 through Sinco Badang Association president Roberto Pahitong wrote Tadiangan village chief Steward Batuna regarding the foul smell and leachate which continuously flows from the former Irisan Dumpsite to the canal at Km. 6 Asin Road which has affected the health of the residents.
Tuba officials have forwarded their resolution to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Benguet Congressman Ronald Cosalan and Environment Management Bureau Cordillera regional director Reynaldo Digamo.
Prior to the inspection last April, A joint inspection report was also submitted to City Services Office head Romeo Concio citing the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste by some junkshop owners, effluent of waste water as a result of washing of the working area and washing of garbage trucks which flows to the drainage canal.