Small businesses in sitio operate without permits

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council committee on trade and industry and committee on environment have found out that a number of small businesses in sitio Kasambagan, barangay Tabunok, operate without permits, among other violations.

The discovery came following an inspection conducted by the two committees together with representatives from Tabunok recently.

The inspection came after Laureano Suarez, through his lawyer Romeo Balili, in his complaint dated December 15, 2011 to first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, Mayor Socrates Fernandez, and Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, alleged that a piggery in the area emits biogas, and complained about the burning of shredded truck tires and the stench that comes from leftovers, among others.

But inspectors denied there was bio-gas in the area, although the area teems with stalls selling lumber, bamboo, firewood, charcoals, banana and other fruits, plant pots made of rubber and fighting cock shelters made from truck tires, and earthen plant pots.

“No bio-gas in the piggery was present but only a slaughtering, preparation, and cooking area for pig lechon; they do however have a septic tank for the wastes,” the report said.

The report, which was submitted to the council last Tuesday, was signed by Councilor Edward Alesna, chairman on committee on trade and industry, and Councilor Bernard Odilao, chairman on environment committee.

The area is located at the back portion of Suarez’s three-story commercial building.

Bio-gas, from wherever source, is considered combustible that may cause fire, and hazardous to humans and the environment.

The team also noted that only one trader possesses a business permit.

Hence, both committee chairmen have recommended that the city should enforce the ordinance governing business permits.

The committees also noticed that the area has neither a drainage system nor a proper waste disposal structure.

The matter was referred to the barangay council of Tabunok. - THE FREEMAN