BACOLOD CITY — More than 1,200 tourism workers across Bais City and Manjuyod in Negros Oriental are facing economic uncertainty after being hit by two successive crises: an ethanol wastewater spill from a major distillery plant and the onslaught of Typhoon “Tino” (international name: Kalmaegi).
According to Krisma Rodriguez, Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director for Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region, at least 1,280 individuals who rely on tourism-related livelihoods—boat operators, guides, resort staff, and vendors—have been directly affected.
Massive Spill Devastates Marine Ecosystem
The incident began on October 26, when wastewater leaked from the ethanol distillery operations of Universal Robina Corp. (URC) in Bais City. The spill contaminated more than 6,000 hectares of coastal waters within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, one of the country’s richest marine biodiversity zones.
The affected waters surround both Bais City and nearby Manjuyod, home to popular attractions such as the Manjuyod Sandbar and dolphin-watching sites—key tourism draws that support thousands of local families. Following the spill, marine tours were suspended and several beach and sandbar operations temporarily halted, causing an abrupt loss of income.
Typhoon Worsens Already Fragile Situation
Just days after the wastewater incident, Typhoon Tino swept through the region, further disrupting tourism activities and delaying cleanup and assessment efforts. Fisherfolk and tourism-dependent workers, already struggling from the environmental damage, found themselves unable to operate due to rough seas and hazardous weather conditions.
.jfif)
DOT: Assistance Measures Under Way
Rodriguez said the DOT is coordinating with local governments and national agencies to identify immediate support programs for displaced workers. This includes livelihood aid, emergency employment, and technical assistance for establishments impacted by the disaster.
Environmental groups have also called for accountability and long-term rehabilitation plans to ensure the restoration of the affected portions of Tañon Strait.
Communities Await Recovery
With the twin crises striking at the heart of their livelihoods, residents of Bais City and Manjuyod are hoping for swift government and private sector intervention. For now, the once-bustling tourism activities in these coastal towns remain subdued as communities wait for the waters—and their jobs—to recover.
.jpg)
0 Comments