Cornstarch plant's biz permit suspended

AFTER persistent complaints received by the City Government of Davao from residents in neighboring communities surrounding the Julu Cornstarch Corporation in Daliao Toril, the City Council issued an order suspending the business permit of the cornstarch plant.

The issue stemmed from a complaint filed against Julu alleging that the plant emits foul odor that causes annoyance to residents in the area.

Lawyer Tristan P. Domingo, chief of the city's Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), said Tuesday that as early as September 6, they have already suspended the operation of Julu pending their compliance with all the sanitary requirements of the City Government.

BPLO's suspension of Julu's Business Permit came two days after Councilor Bernard delivered a privilege speech calling for the attention of Julu management.

"This recurring problem has originated from the same operation of Julu. I believe it is just sound that Julu should formulate more effective and efficient solutions to this problem. A ‘band-aid’ solution has proven to be inadequate to protect the welfare of Davao City most especially those communities affected by its operation," Al-ag said.

In last week's regular session of the City Council, the city's legislative body passed a resolution on second reading recommending to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio the immediate suspension of Julu's business permit.

"Currently, our office performs surprise inspection to their business to ensure faithful compliance on their on the order we issued," Domingo said in a text message Tuesday.

Based on the investigation conducted by the City Health Office (CHO), whose result was also included on the approved ordinance, it was discovered that the firm's evaporator was busted and defected and is unable to process the plant's waste water and thus, causes the foul odor.

Among the violations of Julu, based on the reports from the sanitary inspection conducted by CHO, include the discharge of odorous and toxic matter into waterways and the renovation of the facility without the approval of the proper authority, among others.

"The investigation report submitted by the CHO stated that the violations committed by JULU Cornstarch Corp. are considered substantial thus, requiring the prompt action to ensure the health and welfare of the residents," the ordinance read.