• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is validating reported activities of the Hacienda Asia Plantations Incorporated (HAPI) in Brgy. Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental, despite the issuance of a cease-and-desist order (CDO).
The EMB earlier issued a CDO against HAPI to stop quarrying operations, road construction, and other activities at its palm oil plantation in Candoni, pending resolution on the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Vicente Losbañes, EMB-Negros Island Region officer-in-charge, said they received information that HAPI has engaged in the planting of palm seedlings and forest trees, despite the issuance of the CDO in June this year.
Losbañes said they will coordinate with DENR if HAPI is allowed such activities, as their amendments to their 25-year Comprehensive Development Management Plan have yet to be approved.
HAPI has an Integrated Forest Management Agreement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, covering 6,652 hectares in Brgy. Gatuslao, Candoni.
During the issuance of the CDO, Losbañes recalled that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson only mentioned the stoppage of earth moving activities of HAPI, while the planting of palm seedling and forest trees was not included.
Should any violations be found, Losbañes said they will issue a notice of violation and a stoppage order against HAPI.*
