Pasig monitors 2 factories accused of pollution

MANILA, Philippines—The city environment office of Pasig kept a tight watch on two factories after an open pipe was discovered protruding and discharging white chemical substance into the Marikina River.

AY Tantuco Manufacturing Inc. and its sister company Pure Essence International Corp—manufacturers of diesel and soaps—-made another blunder when an environment team found a pipe discharging chemical substance coming from their plants going to the Marikina River, Raquel Naciongayo, city environment officer, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The two were also given 30 days to purchase an anti-air pollution device after a pungent odor was reported in two barangays in Pasig City in Aug. 11.

“We have also found out that there had been a contamination in the river twice sometime in July and August,” Naciongayo said.

The city environment office had already ordered the sister companies to remove the pipe. “It’s possible they drain their waste in the river whenever their sewerage treatment facility is turned off,” she said.

As a penalty, they were also asked to pay P1,000 at the minimum. Naciongayo said the penalty was according to a city ordinance prohibiting the discharge of untreated waste.

Three weeks ago, residents of Barangay Bagong-Ilog and Barangay Sta. Rosa complained of the foul smell allegedly emitted by the two factories located on Avis St. in Barangay Bagong-Ilog. An environment team went to the area and inspected the factories for leaks.

Although no leak has been found, the city government asked the companies to install a device which can control air pollution.

Naciongayo warned that if the companies would not comply with their requirements, their licenses will be revoked. –Niña Calleja, Philippine Daily Inquirer