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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR stops dumpsite operation in Aeta ancestral land in Zambales

DENR stops dumpsite operation in Aeta ancestral land in Zambales

Published Jul 15, 2026 01:04 pm
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna answers questions during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum hosted by former senator and Manila Hotel President Joey Lina and Manila Bulletin Publisher and former Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna answers questions during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum hosted by former senator and Manila Hotel President Joey Lina and Manila Bulletin Publisher and former Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered a full stop in the operation of a dumpsite which was inside the ancestral domain of an indigenous people community.
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna said the cease and desist order was issued around two days ago amid concerns raised by various groups about the disrespect in the right to ancestral domain of an Aeta community in Barangay Naugsol in Subic town.
Among the concerns raised was the health hazards and water contamination of the water source of the local community.
“We already have a cease and desist order two days ago and the last inspection of the regional office was that it is no longer operational,” said Cuna during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel hosted by former senator and Manila Hotel President Joey Lina and Manila Bulletin Publisher and former Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma.
“There was already an alternative site in Floridablanca (Pampanga),” added.
The garbage open dumpsite was reported to have started its operation in 2019 and it was in 2022 that the DENR discovered it and ordered its closure.
The operation, however, continued based on the reports, there was a Cease and Desist Order already issued in March this year, prior to the issuance of another order this week.
In the forum, Cuna acknowledged the difficulties that the local government units face in waste management, in this case, local officials of Subic town in Zambales.
Based on the Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, all open dumpsites must have been closed five years after it was enacted into law.
But Cuna said the waste disposal and management remain a serious challenge and in fact, even the basic waste segregation that was supposed to be implemented at the barangay level is not being followed.
“May fourth- and fifth-class municipalities lack the capacity to operate proper sanitary landfills, with the nearest accredited facility often too far,” said Cuna.
But hope still remains as Cuna said they have been working with various stakeholders to effectively address the problem down to the barangay level.
For Cuna, the long-term solution involves active participation from individual citizens, and starts with garbage management in every house, as well as support system from local government units like measures to reduce single-use plastics and other waste.

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