The local government of Bais City in Negros Oriental has declared a state of calamity following a massive wastewater spill from the Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Bais Distillery that polluted around 3,000 hectares within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS). The incident has raised environmental, livelihood, and public health concerns among residents and conservation groups.
The spill severely impacted marine life in the Tañon Strait, turning its once-clear waters a murky red. The incident also forced the temporary suspension of sandbar visits and dolphin-watching tours—two of the area’s most popular attractions and vital sources of livelihood—as cleanup and rehabilitation efforts continue.
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Massive Spill Threatens Marine Ecosystem
The spill, which occurred on October 26, was triggered by earthquake-induced cracks in the distillery’s 20-hectare tailing pond. This caused thousands of cubic meters of spent molasses wastewater to leak into Bais Bay, leading to water discoloration, foul odor, and a reported fish kill in nearby areas.
According to Bais officials, the declaration came after the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed Resolution No. 960-25 upon the recommendation of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Mayor Luigi Marcel Goñi approved the measure on October 31 to expedite response and rehabilitation efforts.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimated that about 255,000 cubic meters of wastewater spilled into the Tañon Strait, threatening marine biodiversity within the protected seascape.
“Initial water quality assessments conducted by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau indicate low levels of dissolved oxygen in affected waters, a condition that may cause fishkill and other adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems,” the agency said in a statement.
The DENR, together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coast Guard, and local government units, has mobilized cleanup and containment efforts. BFAR has also issued an advisory prohibiting fishing, collection, and consumption of seafood from affected areas until further notice.
Accountability and Rehabilitation Measures
Mayor Goñi confirmed that URC will not be allowed to resume operations until its damaged tailing pond is fully repaired. He also noted that this is not the first time the distillery has been linked to an environmental incident, emphasizing that the local government will impose penalties in accordance with existing laws.
“It has been recurring for several years already,” Goñi said, stressing the need for stronger enforcement and monitoring.
URC has pledged to complete repairs to the breached dike by November 4 and to provide relief assistance to affected residents. The company also committed to support an ecological damage assessment in collaboration with local institutions such as Silliman University.
Meanwhile, Greenpeace expressed grave concern over the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the spill.
“Like many environmental disasters, this incident was caused by human negligence and greed,” Greenpeace campaigner Jefferson Chua said. “Every time corporations are given a free pass, it’s the people and environment that suffer. It’s time to hold companies like URC fully accountable for their actions.”
As the DENR continues to assess the damage, a technical task force composed of experts from various government agencies and partner institutions is conducting environmental impact studies and rehabilitation planning. The agency also vowed to pursue administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings against those responsible for the spill.
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