Acosta’s assurance came after the latter conducted aerial and ground visits to Mapagda River Thursday morning following the reported discoloration of Pintatagan and Maputi rivers.
The heavy siltation of the Mapagda River has resulted in the discoloration of downstream Pintatagan and Maputi portions and the coastal water on January 14.
The DENR earlier issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO), Notice of Violation (NOV) and a show cause to Riverbend Consolidated Mining Corporation/Arc Nickel Resources, Inc. (ANRI) located in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, the company involved in the recent siltation incident in Banaybanay in said province.
According to Acosta, she will converge with other agencies to ensure responsive assistance, including food and alternative sources of income.
"We leave the thorough assessment to the concerned agencies, but meanwhile we work on ensuring assistance reaches the community," Acosta added.
Acosta in a statement Wednesday lauded the immediate call for halt of operations by the Provincial Government and the subsequent release of Cease and Desist Order by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) XI to a mining company whose siltation pond overflowed to the Mapagba River.
Acosta, who just assumed office as the chairperson of MinDA, said that this particular incident of siltation and spill from a mining operation indicate early signs of environmental degradation and could severely affect our river systems and coastal areas if left unchecked.
DENR findings showed that the potential source of siltation and discoloration along said rivers was attributed to the active mining activity of the said company- that's based on the initial investigation and assessment of DENR-XI’s Composite Team from DENR 11 Regional Office, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 11 Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 11 and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Lupon that was conducted last January 15.
The investigation also revealed that the heavy and continuous rain last January 13-14 pushed overburden materials that contributed to the overflowing of the silt pond, draining towards the said river.
MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Acosta talks to Maputi Punong Barangay Ariel Sison to know the immediate and long-term needs of the affected communities following the heavy siltation that affected Pintatagan and Maputi rivers in BanayBanay, Davao Oriental. MinDA has committed to coordinate assistance for these areas.Photo: MinDA