USC-Talamban says construction has permits

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus insists they have necessary permits for its ongoing construction project inside the campus.

In an emailed statement, the school belied reports that the project caused flooding in nearby areas, adding that they have adopted mitigating measures and that they follow sound engineering procedures.

“Rainwaters from Maria Luisa Estate traverse the USC property and goes into the MCWD catchment. The excess goes down the road into areas that experience flooding even before the USC project,” the statement read.

It was earlier reported that during the Environmental Management Bureau-7 inspection last Friday, the team found initial violations. However, EMB advised the school campus to amend its Environmental Compliance Certificate issued in 2004.

Ariel Gillera of EMB-7 said that the ECC of the school only covers a road widening of 8.6 meters, but the school applied a 16-meter wide extension, way beyond what is stated in the undertaking of the certificate.

“As stated in the ECC, it may be amended upon the advice of DENR. As verbal advice has been given last Friday (June 13), USC will comply,” the statement read.

“USC will adhere to the advice of DENR last June 13 to seek for an amendment of the ECC for the 8.6-meter wide road to cover the portions on both sides meant as walkway and bike lane,” it added.

EMB also found trees that were cut during the inspection.

“The Cebu City CENRO posed no objection to the cutting of 170 trees in a permit it issued on June 17, 2003 that nonetheless sought for the replacement of the trees,” the statement read, adding that the campus has more than made up for it by planting thousands of trees over the years.

The planting of trees was done by USC students under the Civic Welfare Training Service program within the 80-hectare property.

USC-TC also said that the Gmelina and Mahogany logs found during the inspection were covered by the CENRO permit,

“USC will use these as benches, chairs and tables,” the statement read.

During the inspection, EMB noticed that the school does not have a hauling permit this year which is supposedly processed by the contractors.

“The contractors of both the USC Stadium and the portion of the road by the hill hold hauling permits that would expire yet in July 2014,” the statement read, adding that USC’s contractors have been compliant with required necessary permits.

USC-TC clarified that they only operate within 30 hectares of the 80-hectare property owned by the Society of the Divine Word Philippine Southern Province, contrary to earlier reports.  (FREEMAN)