127 URC personnel, 20 Coast Guard repair lagoon section
Wastewater from the lagoon wall of the URC Bais Distillery has spilled over towards the waters of the Sea of Manjuyod in Negros Oriental, resulting in the darkening of the water. The spillage of wastewater occurred due to earthquake-induced cracks, disturbing the marine life in the area.
MarGale Bancairen
Some 127 personnel, supported by 20 Coast Guard members, are engaged in the repair of the collapsed section of the lagoon of the URC Bais Distillery.
In a statement released by URC Bais Distillery, the company said, “The work is now 60 percent complete and is projected to be finished by 04 November 2025.”
The company added that the new dike will be reinforced and strengthened with rubber tires and boulders to make it withstand the relentless rains and the earthquake that caused its breach on 26 October 2025.
“Regarding the marine cleanup, we are in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other stakeholder agencies to deploy experts who will help contain the spilled wastewater within a limited area and guide the company, local, and other relevant authorities on how best to foster marine regrowth and recovery,” URC stated.
Meanwhile, the company has been providing for the needs of the families affected by the spill and will continue to do so until the situation returns to normal.
The URC Bais Distillery in Negros Oriental has been ordered to cease operations due to a massive ethanol wastewater spill that occurred on 26 October 2025. The incident resulted in significant ecological damage and led to Bais City declaring a state of calamity. Repair work on the containment lagoon is ongoing.
The spill affected approximately 3,000 hectares of the seascape and caused visible discoloration in North Bais Bay.