Public Dialogue To Address Problem On Ash Fall, Water Pollution Benefits Victoriahanons

A resident raises his concern during the open forum

In response to the request of the concerned citizens of Victorias, a public consultation on ash fall and water pollution was initiated by the offices of Cong. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca and the barangay council of Brgy. 19-A at the Canetown Subdivision Covered Court last Feb. 29.
    It was done for both parties to discuss and come up with measures and solutions to the pollution problem caused by the mill ash of the Victorias Milling Company (VMC).
    Cong. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Valentin Talabero of PENRO, Andres Untal of CENRO, Regional Director for the Environmental Management Bureau OIC Atty. Jonathan Bulos, Dr. Guillergan of DENR, Engineers Roy Hautea, Edwin Segaya and Atty. Eva Rodriguez of VMC were invited in the consultation.
    City councilors Teresita Bartolome, Joseph Andrei Garcia, Rene Imperial, Jerry Jover, Audie Malaga, Vincent Marie Roa with the barangay officials, concerned sectors, agencies and residents, were also present.
    Brgy. XIX-A Captain Enrique Estribo was thankful for everybody’s presence in the activity that would help address the problem in the greatly affected areas.
    Vice Mayor Palanca urged the people to be more direct and appropriate in taking a stand on the crucial issue.
    Atty. Rodriguez of VMC presented the company’s commitment in the comprehensive program to abate the pollution.
    An open forum took place right after the presentation and testimonies of the residents were given.
     At the end of the dialogue, the group came up with suggestions and mitigating measures in which the Congressman requested to officially put into writing in order for it to be carried and be materialized.