Batangas residents petition DENR to probe cement factory over environmental, health impacts

Composite image. Photos courtesy of Pamalakaya MANILA, Philippines — Fisherfolk and coastal residents in Lemery, Batangas, have launched a petition campaign calling on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate the alleged environmental, health and livelihood impacts of a cement factory operating in Barangay Sinisian West. The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) announced the petition drive after residents raised their concerns during a consultation Monday, July 13. According to Pamalakaya, fisherfolk and coastal residents identified several issues that they attributed to the operations of the Sinisian Lemery Batangas Port & Industrial Park (SLBPIP), which hosts the cement factory. Residents complained of excessive noise from machinery and heavy equipment, restrictions on fishing activities because of a no-sail zone within the industrial park’s perimeter, dust emissions that they said caused respiratory problems, and recurring oil spills. They also alleged that the company failed to comply with the prescribed salvage zone for its seawall under DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-04. They said industrial structures in the area had also weakened an existing catch basin, contributing to flooding in nearby communities. Photo courtesy of Pamalakaya “Mula nang mag-operasyon ang pabrika ng semento sa aming lugar noong 2025, agad na napansin ng mga residente ang epekto nito sa aming kapaligiran, kabuhayan, at kalusugan,” said Sonny Villalobos, a fisherfolk resident of Lemery. (Since the cement factory began operating in our area in 2025, residents immediately noticed its effects on our environment, livelihood and health.) “Nananawagan kaming agarang imbestigahan ng mga kinauukulang ahensya ang malubhang epekto nito sa komunidad at pangisdaan. Malaon nang idinadaing ng mga mangingisda at residente ang perwisyo na dulot nito kabilang na ang ingay, dumi, at polusyon sa dagat na dala ng naturang pabrika,” he added. (We are calling on the government agencies concerned to immediately investigate its serious effects on the community and fishing grounds. Fisherfolk and residents have long complained about the nuisance it has caused, including noise, dirt and marine pollution from the factory.) Pamalakaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo urged the DENR to inspect the facility and investigate the residents’ complaints. “Dapat magsagawa ng agarang inspeksyon ang DENR kaugnay sa mga inirereklamong paglabag ng pabrika sa mga itinakdang regulasyon sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan. Hindi dapat ipagsawalang bahala ng pamahalaan ang hinaing ng mga apektadong residente na mahigit isang taon nang nagtitiis sa perwisyo at panganib na dala ng pabrika,” Arambulo said. (The DENR should immediately conduct an inspection into the factory’s alleged violations of environmental regulations. The government should not disregard the grievances of affected residents, who have endured the nuisance and dangers posed by the factory for more than a year.) According to Pamalakaya, the petition seeks government action on the residents’ complaints, including an investigation into the industrial facility’s alleged environmental impacts on nearby coastal communities and fishing grounds. The group said Wednesday that it was urging the DENR and other government agencies concerned to act on the issues raised by affected residents. The Inquirer has sought comment from Lemery Cement Silo Tank Corp., which is listed on the website of Sinisian Lemery Batangas Port & Industrial Park Corp. As of posting, the company had yet to respond. This story will be updated once its response is received. /dm