Bais city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) announced on Monday that Universal Robina Corporation (URC) is required to compensate fisherfolk for the molasses wastewater spill that occurred in Bais Bay and Manjuyod, Negros Oriental. The incident has also prompted calls for the rehabilitation of the affected marine areas in the Ta±on Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS).
According to Philippines News Agency, DENR-EMB Assistant Director Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe revealed in a television interview that approximately 255,000 cubic meters of molasses wastewater leaked from URC’s lagoon on October 26. The leak was caused by the collapse of a 15-meter section of the dike, leading to contamination of the TSPS, a critical breeding ground for fish and marine mammals. As a result, around 3,000 fisherfolk in the two towns have been affected, being prohibited from fishing while the wastewater remains visible.
Naz-Hipe emphasized that as part of URC’s environmental compliance certificate (ECC) conditions, the company must compensate for any damage to the environment or stakeholders. However, the specific compensation amount is yet to be determined by the stakeholders. She noted that the compensation is separate from penalties and highlighted the importance of an environmental guarantee fund to cover damages and stakeholder compensation.
In addition to compensating the affected fisherfolk, URC faces liability under the Clean Water Act for violations related to water pollution. Naz-Hipe explained that potential violations of water quality or effluent standards will be addressed by the Pollution Adjudication Board, which will determine the penalties, reportedly up to PHP500,000 per day.
Following the incident, the DENR issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) to URC, halting operations to focus on community rehabilitation. The Bais City government has declared a state of calamity through Resolution No. 960-25, following recommendations from the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The spill has affected 17 coastal villages in Bais and neighboring Manjuyod, leading to bans on fishing, swimming, and other activities. Dolphin watching tours in Bais Bay and tourism activities at Manjuyod White Sandbar have been suspended due to water discoloration and foul odor.
Naz-Hipe reported that URC has repaired about 90 percent of the damaged wastewater pond and aims to complete rehabilitation by November 4. Cleanup efforts are being monitored by the DENR, local governments, and the Philippine Coast Guard, with Silliman University assisting in assessing environmental impacts.
