The Philippine’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered the closure of four banana plantations in Kapatagan, Digos City, for operating without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
According to a report by Filipino newspaper the Sunstar, the orders were issued on 12 January, but have yet to be acted on.
The plantations affected are Musahamat Farms, Highland Agri-ventures, Panuda Banana Plantation, and ABCDR Corporation. The farms are all located in Kapatagan at the foothill of Mt Apo, which is a national park and therefore subject to strict environmental regulations.
DENR regional technical director for protected areas Emmanuel Isip told the newspaper the DENR regional office had previously issued notices of violation to the offending plantation operators, which had all been ignored.
Local officials in Kapatagan, however, have requested DENR not follow through with the closures, as they would negatively affect the local economy.
The region’s vice mayor Raynoldo Hermosisima told the newspaper he would ask the DENR to allow the plantations to continue operating while they secure an ECC.
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