CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — Gov. Aurelio Umali is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate how septic waste is being handled and disposed of, warning that millions of households across the country are exposed to health risks due to polluted water and poor waste management.
During the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region III meeting, Umali described the issue as a “silent crisis” affecting not just Central Luzon but the entire country. He called for stricter enforcement of Republic Act 9275, or the Clean Water Act of 2004.
The law serves as the country’s main policy for protecting and rehabilitating water bodies from land-based pollution. It emphasizes prevention over cleanup and makes water quality a shared responsibility of government, LGUs, and the private sector.
As chair of the RDC III Infrastructure Development Committee, Umali asked the DENR to look into the compliance of local government units and private septage operators in the proper collection and disposal of waste from homes and businesses.
His concern was triggered by a proposal involving the discharge of untreated water from septage facilities.
“LGUs and water districts have not been fully compliant in delivering services to their constituents,” Umali said.
“What’s alarming is we don’t know where and how these septic wastes are being dumped. If left unchecked, this will only lead to more sickness and more problems in our communities,” he added.
Collection halted in 2 Central Luzon areas
According to reports, septage collection has stopped in Angeles City and Apalit, Pampanga after both LGUs suspended the collection of septage and environmental fees paid by consumers to private concessionaires.
In Angeles, the suspension was the first executive order issued by Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II after he assumed office last year. In Apalit, Mayor Oscar “Jun” Tetangco Jr. followed suit three months later with Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 20.
With collection stopped, questions have been raised on where the untreated waste is now being disposed of.
Gov. Umali said the DENR must act immediately to ensure compliance and prevent further contamination of water sources.
“The Clean Water Act exists for a reason. We need to go back to its intent — prevent pollution at the source before it becomes a bigger public health problem,” he added.
The post Gov Umali calls for probe on septage disposal amid health risks first appeared on Pampanga News Now.