PUBLIC HEARING ON USE OF MABAYUAN RIVER AS A WATER SOURCE

A public hearing was held to take up the issue on Subic Water’s plan to make Mabayuan River a water source. It was the second hearing held regarding the issue.

City Councilor JC G. de los Reyes led the public hearing which was also attended by Councilor Ellen Dabu, City Attorney Angelito Orozco, concerned citizens and representatives from the barangays who will be affected by the amendment of the permit that will allow Subic Water to tap Mabayuan River.

One of the issues discussed in the public hearing was whether the water of Mabayuan River is safe for human use and consumption.

According to Orozco, they will submit a petition opposing the proposed amendment of Subic Water’s permit. Concrete facts and evidence are currently being collated to support the petition, he said.

It can be recalled that Councilor de los Reyes has already raised the issue to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. He also said that whether or not Subic Water already has an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is another matter to look into.

City Councilors JC G. de los Reyes and Ellen Dabu, City Attorney Angelito Orozco and concerned citizens during the public hearing held on July 29, 2008 at the Session Hall of the Olongapo City Hall. Opinions of the concerned citizens were discussed regarding the proposed amendment of the permit of Subic Water that will allow it to use Mabayuan River as a water source.

PAO/Don