Bais bay: Field surveys and drone-based mapping conducted by Silliman University (SU) have shown that between 4,494 and 6,000 hectares of marine and coastal waters have been contaminated from a wastewater spill in Bais Bay. Initial findings from the Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 survey issued on Tuesday indicated localized fish kills were also recorded up to 7 kilometers from the source of the spill of untreated molasses wastewater into the Ta±on Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS). The spill resulted from the collapse of Universal Robina Corporation’s wastewater lagoon.
According to Philippines News Agency, in nearby Manjuyod town, fish pen and seaweed farm operators reported losses ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP1.8 million per operator, reflecting the massive damage to the livelihoods of local fishers and to marine life. SU stated that these findings provide a scientific basis for guiding immediate response measures and supporting evidence-based rehabilitation and management strategies.
SU expressed solidarity with the affected communities, emphasizing its commitment to science-based environmental action, accountability, and ecological restoration. The University continues to support the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Negros Island – Siquijor Region (DENR-NIR) through ongoing water quality and biological assessments, technical advisories, and the formulation of rehabilitation plans. Immediate repair of the collapsed lagoon and containment structures was urged, along with the implementation of transparent and regular water quality monitoring while strengthening multi-sectoral coordination to prevent further ecological damage.
The need for strict compliance with environmental safety and pollution control standards to protect marine and coastal ecosystems was highlighted. SU called for full accountability and comprehensive restoration from all responsible parties to uphold environmental justice for the affected communities and ecosystems of the Ta±on Strait.
The TSPS, spanning more than 500,000 hectares between Negros and Cebu, is one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse marine areas and a vital source of livelihood for thousands of coastal families. In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced the creation of an inter-agency task force to assess the situation on-site, test water quality, and determine the environmental impact.
The DENR stated that the Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) is leading joint water quality tests, while personnel from the Ta±on Strait Protected Seascape-Protected Area Management Office (TSPS-PAMO) remain stationed on-site to oversee containment and repair operations being undertaken by Universal Robina Corporation (URC). The DENR-EMB earlier reported that the incident released large volumes of untreated molasses-based ethanol wastewater or ‘spent wash’ into the sea, causing widespread water discoloration, oxygen depletion, algal blooms, and fish kills in the country’s largest marine protected area.
The Department assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to protect the environment, hold violators accountable, and restore affected areas. Updates and water quality reports will be released through official DENR channels.
