Bais city: The Negros Oriental Provincial Board is pushing for transparency in the investigation of wastewater contamination in the Bais Bay area. This call is spearheaded by its committees on the environment and disaster risk reduction management, aiming to keep the provincial government well-informed.

According to Philippines News Agency, Board Member Erwin Michael Macias, who chairs both committees, announced that they were invited to join a technical working group (TWG) formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Charlie Fabre, the regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Negros Island Region (DENR-NIR), was appointed as the TWG point person.

Macias revealed that they initially learned about the incident through social media. A special session was convened, attended by an official from United Robina Corporation (URC), who provided a detailed report on the wastewater spill originating from their ethanol plant. The spill was triggered by the collapse of an earthen wall in a 17-hectare lagoon, releasing a substantial amount of spent wash into the sea.

While the Provincial Board's role in the investigation is described as 'minor', Macias highlighted the involvement of other key entities, such as the DENR and the Ta±on Strait Protected Seascape's Protected Area Management Board, which have more significant responsibilities. The TWG is expected to conduct studies and gather data, which will inform decisions on preventing similar incidents in the future.

Macias emphasized that the findings from the investigation will aid in the province's disaster response strategies and future legislative efforts. A new ordinance addressing the wastewater spill, which has resulted in fish kills and affected livelihoods in Bais City and Manjuyod, is set to be proposed during the Provincial Board's session on Monday, though Macias did not provide further details on the ordinance.