La Castellana:Negros Occidental The provincial government of Negros Occidental has successfully obtained an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) to initiate the disposal of lahar deposits that have accumulated following the series of eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II announced the development via social media, sharing a video that included a letter from EMB-Negros Island Region OIC Director Vicente Losbañes. The letter, dated November 7 and addressed to Provincial Engineer Ernie Mapa, confirmed the granting of the ECC.

The project involves clearing the lahar deposits from the Ibid Creek in Barangay Biak na Bato, La Castellana town. Approximately 67,000 cubic meters of lahar deposits are expected to be extracted and disposed of by buyer-haulers, as authorized by an ordinance passed by the Provincial Board.

Diaz mentioned plans to invite interested parties to haul the lahar deposits, aiming to restore the waterways to their original condition and prevent future hazards. The ECC was essential for the project because Ibid Creek is located within the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, a protected area.

Previously, provincial personnel were limited to dredging and stacking debris along the riverbanks.