Task force to look into disposal systems

Mactan Rock Industries Inc. (MRII) is set to create a task force that will look into the current water disposal system of establishments following the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) stricter guidelines.

MRII chairman Antonio Tompar said they are encouraged by DENR to not only supply water but also take care of the waste water of their clients.

“Water service providers are urged to not only install a water facility but also to collect waste water,” he said.

With this directive, Tompar said they might need to rebuild and redesign their system to fit the new standards.

He also anticipates renegotiation of contracts with clients, following DENR’s requirement to achieve and sustain a better environment.

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

“We are open to working with directly affected businesses and hopefully, work together with the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) to tap these establishments,” he added.

MRII has reached out to the Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PICCI) and to the tourism sector there to create a shared waste water treatment facility in Panglao Island.

Proposal

“We proposed to set up a shared waste treatment facility for small players who cannot afford to invest in their own waste treatment facility,” said Tompar, adding that this will be done under a build-own-operate-management scheme.

Tompar said the project has earned positive feedback among small and big businesses, with the local government of Bohol expressing confidence in the project. He said that the area along the Alona beach line in Panglao may need five to 10 units of 40-footer compact system collection tanks.

The challenge, however, is where the system can be erected.

“Somebody has to sacrifice and provide us an area to rent, which could be at the back of their garden or any vacant property,” he said.

This project, according to Tompar, can be replicated in Mactan, too. He said they will meet this week to conduct a survey.

Local government units both in Mactan and Bohol are working closely with the private sector to ensure all business establishments adhere to environmental laws.

“HRRAC members have their treatment facilities, environmental compliance certificates (ECC) but we are working with the Lapu-Lapu City Government if ever there are some members that need our assistance,” said HRRAC president Carlo Suarez.

“We are willing to assist them,” he said.

Boracay Island has been closed to tourists since April 26 after the government decided to rehabilitate the island for six months. /