URC Bais Distillery, DENR move to contain wastewater spill in Negros Oriental

The URC Bais Distillery, along with local government and environmental officials, is conducting efforts to contain the spillage of wastewater following a breach in the company’s lagoon wall.

In a statement released on 28 October 2025, the URC Bais Distillery said the breach was caused by earthquake-induced cracks, worsened by continuous heavy rains over the past few days.

“While the company has been vigilant and diligent about the integrity of its lagoon, the unusually heavy and relentless rains and the series of earthquakes led to this unfortunate incident,” the statement read.

The company said it is now working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for immediate containment, proper cleanup, and full compliance with environmental standards.

“We are likewise coordinating closely with LGUs to provide any assistance that affected individuals and communities may need at this time,” it added.

“We are committed to building climate-resilient and robust lagoon walls, taking into full account the changing environment and the need to keep our surrounding communities safe.”

It can be recalled that the ethanol plant’s wastewater leakage has caused adverse effects in Campuyo Sea and Manjuyod Sea in Negros Oriental, reaching nearby towns and harming marine life in the area, while threatening the livelihood of local fishermen.

Local fishermen have reported dead fish floating in the water, which has turned dark. They have urged authorities to immediately conduct containment operations to prevent further ecological damage.