A GROUP of residents in Barangay Janipa-an West in Mina, Iloilo have expressed opposition to the planned sanitary landfill in their village. In a petition letter, they have asked Gov. Arthur D. Defensor Sr. to step in and evaluate the project, which they claim “will bring harm more than benefits.” They said while the landfill operations would be a source of local income, it would also result to air and groundwater pollution, affect soil fertility, and could cause health problems. Mr. Defensor said any environmental project should take into consideration public acceptance. “Social acceptance is crucial to the approval of any environmental project,” he said. Mina Mayor Rey P. Grabato, in a letter posted on the town’s official Facebook page, said the proposed Sanitary Landfill and Eco-Park Project is an initiative of and will be funded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). A copy of the petition letter was sent to the DENR. Mr. Grabato also said the project is intended to address the town’s waste management issues. He further clarified that the project is still a proposal and will still be subject to a feasibility study and planning. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

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