DENR taps Mactan Rock on wastewater management

Mactan Rock Industries Inc., (MRII) is helping the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in inspecting the existing wastewater facilities of establishments, starting off in Mactan Island.

In a press conference, MRII chairman Antonio Tompar announced that after DENR furnished them a copy of establishments which have yet to comply with installing wastewater treatment facilities in their respective businesses, MRII has created a task force to study further what these establishments need in terms of support.

"We will be meeting with DENR and I will initiate the move to create a task force in our group that would make a proposal with due diligence,” explained Tompar.

This move was immediately activated following DENR's aggressive move on requiring tourism-related businesses and destinations to have sound and proper wastewater treatment facilities.

MRII, which has been in this business for decades, Tompar said is ready to assist the DENR in capacitating these establishments to install their own facilities.

Just like what the company recently did in Panglao Island in Bohol, Tompar said MRII is also going to propose a shared waste water treatment system for smaller establishments, so that they also share the machinery investments, as well as the operational costs.

Tompar said the temporary closure of Boracay Island is a strong example that the government is now firm on implementing environmental laws.

"We are now encouraged (by the DENR) to take care of the wastewater of the clients, where we supply water,” Tompar said.

MRII, which also provide bulk water supply to mostly big establishments like resorts, hotels, manufacturing plants, have also been required by DENR to collect waste water from their clients.

Under this new DENR directive, MRII plans to re-model their water supply system to include already the treatment and proper collection of waste water.