Orolfo bares side of his relief as DENR director

CEBU, Philippines - Relieved regional director Al Orolfo, of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 18 (Negros Island Region) was ordered to report to the central office starting May 5, following the turnover of post to the new Regional Director Levino Duran.

Before going back to the central office, however, Orolfo was in Dumaguete City on Saturday for the coastal clean-up regularly conducted at the Silliman beach, and it was here that he disclosed some circumstances that he alleged led to his relief as DENR-18 director.

The issue over his relief may be internal in nature, but Orolfo revealed it was primarily caused by his orders to stop implementation of a mini-hydro power plant project at Barangay Bunga in Salvador Benedicto town (Negros Occidental)—situated within the Northern Negros Natural Park—which he said was due to certain violations, foremost of which was the absence of an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

Orolfo said the project violated the rights of indigenous peoples in the area, it failed to submit a requirement to the National Irrigation Administration for the use of the canal, aside from disagreements on the total land area to be covered by the project that prompted the community to complain, and breach of some of the terms with the Protected Area Management Board (PMB), including water rights.

Orolfo said proponents of the project may have some connections with the central office and mis-informed his senior officials, making them believe that he was going against “a very nice project,” which is production of alternative energy.

“I think they were blinded by those reports, and that a technical conference is scheduled on May 17, in Bacolod City with project proponents and other stakeholders,” Orolfo told The Freeman.

The project is undertaken by Hydrotec Renewables Inc., whose president, lawyer Eric Mallonga, is a friend of former DENR secretary Gina Lopez, and used to be the legal counsel of a child welfare program under a foundation. Orolfo said the project costs P20 million and intends to generate 0.9 megawatts of hydro power.

Meanwhile, Duran was in Dumaguete on Monday to conduct meetings with the staff about his priorities and directions, including the Enhanced National Greening Program and land disposition.

Duran also emphasized, in his meeting, the observance of proper work ethics and for every employee to deliver results. He then visited the modern mechanized nursery at Banban village in Ayungon town (Negros Oriental) before going back to Bacolod City where the DENR-18 office is located. (FREEMAN)