Petron Ships Out 500 Metric Tons of Debris from Guimaras

In line with its commitment to complete its clean-up operations in Guimaras, Petron shipped out 500 metric tons of oil-covered debris yesterday. A Landing Craft Tanker (LCT) with a capacity of 2,000 metric tons left the Cabalagnan Wharf in Nueva Valencia after lunch on Wednesday.

The LCT will bring the debris to Holcim Philippines’ Lugait plant in Misamis Oriental where it will be used as an alternative fuel and raw material in cement production without compromising the quality of cement. The high technology plant will convert the oil-covered debris into energy without producing any hazardous compounds or fumes. Holcim has had experience in handling, storing and co-processing of similar materials locally and globally. The global cement manufacturing company is committed to the safe and proper co-processing of waste without compromising the quality of its product and the environment. Holcim’s operations are supported by its compliance with all requirements, permits and environmental regulations by government.

Since the end of August, Petron has deployed 15 dump trucks to haul the debris collected from the affected barangays in Guimaras. The company aims to complete disposal operations as soon as possible.

As we have earlier stressed, we are committed to the people of Guimaras and we will continue our clean-up operations. We have been working closely with the provincial government, the DOH and DENR to expedite the transfer and disposal of the waste from the island,” Health, Safety and Environment Manager Caloy V. Tan said.

Tan added that the company has secured the necessary environmental permits to transport the debris. The vessel has also been cleared by the MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Ports Authority and the EMB-DENR.

Earlier, Petron developed A Guide for Recovery and Disposition of Oil Debris  which was approved by the Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Provincial Government (PG-ENRO). This document sets the protocols on safety, retrieval from site, staging area, transport and disposition of recovered oil and debris to be strictly followed by the clean-up teams.

Under its Ligtas Guimaras program, Petron has already cleaned more than 126 kilometers of shoreline with the help of local communities under a “Cash for Work” scheme. To date, it has collected nearly 1,700 metric tons of debris. It is also working with environmental experts from U.P. Visayas and Silliman University to create a roadmap for the long-term rehabilitation of Guimaras.