Zamboanga City, Philippines – October 29, 2024 – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX has taken significant action to safeguard local water quality by issuing Cease-and-Desist Orders (CDOs) to four prominent sardines canning factories in Zamboanga City. The affected corporations include Mega Fishing Corporation, ZC E&L Corporation, Century Pacific Food, Inc., and Southwest Asian Canning Corporation.
The CDOs were issued for an initial period of seven days and were confirmed by the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) on October 18, 2024. This decision was prompted by serious violations of Republic Act No. 9275, commonly known as the Clean Water Act of 2004, identified during a recent environmental compliance audit of local canning establishments.
Findings from the audit revealed that these factories were discharging wastewater into the Caragasan to Talisayan Coastal Water Class SC, with effluent levels that significantly exceeded DENR’s allowable standards. As a result, the factories are now prohibited from releasing any wastewater into nearby water bodies until they comply with environmental regulations.
The DENR Region IX has emphasized its unwavering commitment to enforcing environmental laws to protect and preserve the natural ecosystem. “While we recognize the importance of the canning industry in ensuring food security and promoting economic growth, such progress must not compromise environmental integrity or public welfare,” a spokesperson stated.
The agency reiterated its intention to collaborate with the canning industry and other stakeholders to ensure compliance, promote responsible environmental practices, and foster sustainable development.
As this situation develops, the DENR and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region IX will continue monitoring the affected facilities to ensure adherence to environmental standards and mitigate any further ecological impact.
