AMID claims that a batching plant operating in Mandaue City has caused severe health issues among its residents, such as respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, and even death, an official has issued an assurance that all is well.
In an interview with SunStar on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, Labogon Barangay Captain Helbert Nejana said since assuming office in 2024, no formal complaints have been filed regarding the alleged dust pollution coming from Suprea Batching Plant.
Nejana also assured that the plant has improved its operations and no longer produces excessive dust that could harm his community.
He admitted though that the plant continues to operate 24/7.
“Since 2024 until now, I have not received any complaints here in the barangay. Our office is always open to address concerns because that is the purpose of having a barangay,” Nejana said in Cebuano.
He said while there were reports of dust pollution when the plant first started to operate, Suprea has since upgraded its facilities, significantly reducing emissions.
Nejana also denied claims that residents had died due to dust pollution.
The plant’s management has maintained that they have been fully compliant with government regulations and have actively addressed concerns raised by the community.
“Suprea always addresses concerns it receives by following scientific and technical monitoring, as part of our compliance with our Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC),” the management said in a statement sent to SunStar on Monday.
According to Suprea, they have implemented additional measures to minimize dust pollution, including the installation of four upgraded cement silos with improvised air filters.
This enhancement reportedly enables them to maintain higher stock levels at the plant, reducing the need for frequent deliveries. As a result, there is less dust pollution and reduced traffic congestion in the area.
Daily mitigation efforts are also in place, such as watering the entire plant using recycled water, the statement read.
The management further stated that in addition to internal monitoring, they conduct third-party noise and dust tests accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Results of the tests are submitted to the DENR by their pollution control officer as part of their Self Monitoring Report/Compliance Monitoring System report at the end of each quarter.
“There are times that barangay calls up for a session to address it. We came and presented with our mitigating measures. Our permits are updated permits, we resolve our issues. A resolution was approved and that’s why we have a valid barangay permit,” the statement added.
The Suprea Batching Plant, located in Barangay Labogon, has been at the center of controversy since 2019, with residents repeatedly raising concerns about pollution, noise and health risks.
In a press conference on Friday, Feb. 7, Labogon resident and complainant Ines Necesario, one of over 900 petitioners against the plant, claimed that dust emissions from the facility have caused respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, particularly among children and elderly residents.
Ombudsman
Between 2019 and 2022, affected residents made multiple visits to Mandaue City Hall, pleading with then-mayor Jonas Cortes to shut down the plant. However, their demands were allegedly ignored.
Frustrated by the local government’s inaction, over 900 residents filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman on Oct. 17, 2022.
This led to a ruling in 2024 that found Cortes guilty of grave misconduct for allowing the plant to operate without proper permits.
As a result, he was removed from office and perpetually disqualified from holding any government position.
Despite this legal victory, residents said they remain frustrated as the plant continues to operate without a cease-and-desist order from the City Government.
With no action taken to halt Suprea’s operations, affected residents are now pressuring newly appointed Mayor Glen Bercede to enforce the Ombudsman’s decision.
“If the City Government continues to ignore their demands, we plan to escalate the complaint in the office of the Ombudsman,” said Necesario.
The management of Suprea further argued that they operate within an industrial zone and have gone beyond what is required by law to mitigate their environmental impact.
“We take it from the tests that we are regularly subjected to. It is always found to be within standard,” the statement added.
Suprea maintained that because they are fully compliant with regulatory requirements, there is no reason for their operations to be shut down. / CAV