EMB clarifies: No suspension yet on CNC processing for flood projects in Region 6

ILOILO City – The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6 clarified that it has not suspended the processing of Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) applications for flood mitigation and waterways rehabilitation projects in Western Visayas.

In an advisory, the bureau said it is still awaiting formal instruction from its central office regarding the matter.

“The EMB Region 6 is yet to receive any instruction from the EMB Central Office on the suspension of processing of Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC),” the bureau stated.

The clarification came after concerns were raised over CNCs issued for flood control projects in Iloilo City, which have drawn scrutiny from Mayor Raisa Treñas and former mayor Jerry Treñas. Both officials previously sought guidance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during a Project Transform Action Planning Workshop with Undersecretary Marilou Erni.

Under DENR Memorandum Circular 2014-005, CNCs may be issued for projects under Category C, or those intended to address environmental problems, and Category D, or those deemed unlikely to cause significant adverse impacts. However, the EMB stressed that CNCs are not permits to proceed, as implementation still depends on local government units or the lead agencies concerned.

Mayor Treñas has maintained that stronger environmental oversight is needed to ensure that flood control projects do not create new hazards.

“Flood control and drainage projects must be science-based, especially on hydrological impact and the long-term health of our waterways,” she said, while welcoming EMB’s careful validation of such initiatives.

Flood mitigation remains a priority issue for Iloilo City, where billions have been allocated for drainage and waterways rehabilitation. Calls for stricter monitoring also come amid national probes into alleged irregularities in flood control projects./PN