BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to intervene in the continued operation of a palm oil plantation in southern Negros allegedly operating without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
In a letter to DENR Secretary Atty. Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla, Lacson requested the agency’s intervention on issues related to the operations of Hacienda Asia Plantations Inc. (HAPI) in Candoni, Negros Occidental.
“I am writing to bring to your attention the pressing environmental concerns surrounding the operations of Hacienda Asia Plantations Inc. (HAPI) in Candoni, Negros Occidental,” Lacson stated in the letter posted Monday on the provincial government’s official social media page.
Lacson said HAPI’s activities have raised significant concern among local communities, civil society organizations and the provincial government.
“It is worth noting that during meetings held in Candoni on Nov. 7, 2024, and during the Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) meeting on Jan. 23, 2025, HAPI acknowledged the need to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate before proceeding with its plantation establishment activities,” he said.
However, Lacson noted that despite this acknowledgment and the MMT’s directive to secure the ECC, HAPI has yet to obtain the required document.
The MMT—composed of representatives from DENR EMB-PEMU Negros Occidental, PENRO-Negros Occidental, CENRO-Kabankalan, LGU Candoni, PEMO Negros Occidental, barangay officials, civil society organizations and Indigenous Peoples (IP) representatives—reiterated the need for HAPI to secure an ECC during its exit conference on March 20, 2025, he added.
“Unfortunately, HAPI has continued to conduct earth-moving activities, causing potential harm to the environment, without the requisite ECC,” Lacson said.
He also cited an online petition filed by the Negrosanon Initiatives on Climate and the Environment (NICE), a local civil society group, calling for the immediate halt of environmental destruction allegedly caused by HAPI.
“The petition highlights the concerns of the local community and underscores the need for urgent action to protect the environment,” Lacson said.
He noted that a copy of the petition was attached to his letter for Lotilla’s reference.
Lacson urged the DENR to take immediate action to address the environmental concerns involving HAPI’s operations.
“As the chief executive of the DENR, your leadership is crucial in ensuring that environmental laws and regulations are enforced and that the rights of local communities are protected,” he told Lotilla.
Lacson said he also welcomes the opportunity to discuss the matter further with Lotilla and explore solutions to address the issues surrounding HAPI’s operations. (Dolly Yasa via tdg)