Raps awaits medical center
THE ENVIRONMENTAL Management Bureau-Cordillera have filed three violation against Baguio Medical Center for the hospital wastes dumped in Tuba, Benguet.
EMB- CAR regional director Reynaldo Digamo has cited the violation on Toxic , Hazardous and Nuclear Act of 1990 (Republic Act 6969), Clean Water Act ( RA No. 9265) and violation in the Environmental Compliance Certificate (PD 1586) against the hospital after waste were indiscriminately thrown
and affected Najeng River of Tabaan Norte which is the main contributory river of the Tapuakan River in Pugo, La Union.
Digamo stated they are now waiting for the technical conference on August 1 as part of the process in the administrative case.
Intial report revealed the contractor hauled a soil from the hospital and observed mixed debris including hospital wastes when it was dumped in Sitio Bayaksan, Taloy Sur.
Hospital waste such as semitransparent rubber tubes, empty fluid packs, syringes of different sizes with needles, vials, dextrose sets and other medical operation waste were dumped.
"We instructed the BMC to effect the retrieval of those medical waste that is present, as much as possible by 100 percent but I doubt kung 100 percent," he added.
The regional director is also contemplating to invite the Philippine National Police Offices of Tuba, and the Parish Priest of Taloy Sur in Tuba.
EMB- CAR personnel conducted an investigation on July 17 and retrieved the medical waste on the surface.
"We coordinate with the barangay officials to possible cordon the area to avoid injuries from the medical waste," Digamo added.
The waste dumping have also caught the attention of Tuba Mayor Ignacio Rivera stating an investigation and complaint will also be addressed to the responsible per- sons involved.
Residents in Taloy Sur in Tuba have earlier asked immediate response on the case.
“The contractors who was doing the hauling of the backfill materials have been identified even during the time of the investigation. Aside from BMC, the contractor will have to explain,” the EMB head stated.
The contractors are Onofre Calam-ang and Izio Aronza Jr.
Baguio Medical Center representative Dr. JR Claridad explained what present measures the hospital is undertaking.
“As of press time, the Management of BMC cannot release any statement regarding this matter until the investigation is finished. However, rest assured that as our corporate responsibility, we are taking necessary steps in order to prevent this from happening in the future. We have also coordinated with our contractor to act in accordance with our Memorandum of Agreement,” the Claridad stated.