By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental 4th District Representative Jeffrey Ferrer has urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct an immediate inspection of Kanlaon Volcano’s upper slopes, following reports that possible illegal activities in the area may have worsened flooding and landslides during Typhoon “Tino.”
In an interview, Ferrer said several landslides had been observed on Kanlaon’s upstream portions — particularly in areas where large trees and lumber were located.
He noted that the softened terrain, triggered by frequent volcanic tremors and continuous rainfall, could have led to soil erosion and flooding in the 4th and 5th Districts of the province.
“There were several landslides on the volcano where big trees and lumber are situated. Possibly, the land has softened due to earthquakes and eruptions,” Ferrer said.
During the height of Typhoon “Tino” on November 4, floodwaters reportedly carried logs and cut lumber downstream, damaging several bridges and spillways.
This raised suspicions of illegal logging or unregulated land developments at Kanlaon — a protected landscape under national law.
While Ferrer clarified that he has yet to confirm whether illegal logging or quarrying is taking place, he emphasized that “ongoing developments” in the upland zones must be closely monitored to ensure they comply with environmental regulations.
“I cannot say for certain if there are illegal activities, but if there are, that’s certainly wrong. Still, there are portions of the volcano that are under development, and we must make sure those are legal,” he explained.
Ferrer has since called on the DENR to conduct a full inventory of projects and operations within Kanlaon’s protected areas, particularly those falling under the jurisdiction of Bago City and neighboring towns.
“Let us call the attention of DENR to inspect and verify all activities in the upper portion of the volcano — to determine whether they should continue or be stopped,” he said.
The solon underscored the importance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), noting that local governments cannot issue permits without it.
“The ECC is very important. Without it, the LGU cannot give permits, and no operations should be allowed,” he said.
Kanlaon, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, has been under close watch due to its active volcanic state.
Recent earthquakes and soil movements have heightened concerns over environmental degradation and the potential link between human activity and natural disasters in the area.
Earlier, environmental watchdogs Green Alert Network and the Group of Environmental Socialists, Inc. said the widespread flooding that hit the central and southern parts of the province during “Tino” revealed the fragility of Negros’ natural barriers — particularly the North Negros Natural Park and Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.
Both forest parks, which serve as natural shields and sponges against typhoon winds and heavy rainfall, have been “hurt and wounded” by illegal structures and land conversions in their headwaters, the groups say./CJ, WDJ