SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

THE Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has directed the sanitation unit of the City Health Office (CHO) and the City Engineering Office (CEO) to investigate the septic tank of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) following concerns raised by a reader of The SUNDAY PUNCH.

The reader reported that the BJMP is discharging wastewater from its septic tanks into a drainage canal that flows into Paras Street in Bonuan Gueset, and likely into the sea.

Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo, chairman of the SP’s committee on laws, ordinances, and judiciary, highlighted an item in the People on People section of The PUNCH calling for action from Bonuan Gueset Barangay Captain Noel Bumanglag regarding the BJMP’s ongoing wastewater discharge, which is negatively impacting the residents in the area.

Councilor Tamayo emphasized the serious environmental implications of the situation, particularly the potential for the BJMP to inadvertently release waste into the nearby sea due to its proximity. He proposed inviting the BJMP warden to the next SP session to provide clarity on the issue.

During a recent budget hearing, Tamayo recalled asking the BJMP warden about plans for reducing inmate overcrowding, to which he learned that a new jail facility is being constructed in San Fabian for inmate transfer. However, he underlined that the concerns of nearby residents remain urgent, as they are suffering from the unpleasant odors emanating from the waste released by BJMP.

Councilor Karlos Reyna noted that a similar issue arose nearly a decade ago when the BJMP’s septic tank overflowed, leading to the wastewater spilling outside the facility and ultimately contaminating the sea. He warned that if the current situation persists, it could adversely impact Dagupan City’s tourism, deterring visitors from enjoying the beach.

Reyna mentioned that the previous crisis was resolved when the Dagupan City government, in conjunction with the BJMP, enlisted the services of the Malabanan waste siphoning company to unclog the jail’s septic tank.

Councilor Tamayo concurred with Councilor Marcelino Fernandez’s suggestion to initially task the sanitation units of CHO with inspecting for potential leaks from BJMP’s septic tanks, while the CEO assesses the tanks’ capacity for additional waste.

He cautioned that if the situation is not resolved promptly, it could jeopardize the bangus industry in the city, as salty seawater entering through the Calmay River—only about a kilometer from the BJMP—is sustaining fishponds that produce the tasty bangus.

Councilor Michael Fernandez and Vice Mayor Bryan Kua expressed their support for Councilor Marcelino Fernandez’s proposal. (Leonardo Micua)