Atty. Perry Pe and Mr. Herbert M. Consunji signed an “Undertaking of Support” of the Cebu Provincial Government’s position relative to the actions it has taken and may further take against Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC) in the City of Naga.
Atty. Pe represented Impact Assets Corp., the former majority shareholder of ALCQ; while Mr. Consunji represented the Consunji Group that is now the majority shareholders of ALQC.
The signing of the undertaking was done in the presence of Gov. Gwen Garcia in her office at the Capitol on December 16, in a corporate bid to take environmental and social responsibility for the quarry operations and its impact on nearby communities in Naga.
Earlier this month, Gov. Garcia issued a cease-and-desist order against ALQC, enjoining it to stop all “earth-moving operations” within their quarry sites for one month pending the conduct of an environmental audit, comprehensive area risk assessment, and the determination of the carrying capacity of the quarry areas.
ALQC is CEMEX Philippines’ principal supplier of quarry materials for its cement plant located in the same southern city. It has at least eight Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSAs) issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, allowing it to conduct quarrying activities in over 3,000 hectares of land covering Naga, San Fernando, Carcar City, and Pinamungajan.
The document signed by Atty. Pe and Mr. Consunji outlines ALQC’s pledge to align its operations with the province’s environmental and development goals.
The undertaking emphasizes ALQC’s commitment to environmental conservation and strict adherence to local laws and ordinances that promote the welfare of the province.
As part of the agreement, ALQC affirmed its dedication to ensuring compliance with environmental policies and sustainability programs implemented by the Provincial Government of Cebu. They also pledged to avoid any actions that would violate local laws, including those related to environmental protection.
In addition, ALQC has committed to regular consultations with the Provincial Government, the City of Naga, local barangays within their MPSA areas, and other relevant government agencies. This collaboration aims to gather feedback on the environmental impact of the company’s operations and ensure that its activities are aligned with the interests of the local communities and the environment.
A key component of the undertaking is ALQC’s plan to consolidate the work programs of its MPSAs, which will help improve the efficiency of its operations while enhancing its environmental compliance.
Moreover, the corporation will establish an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, which will supplement its existing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The new ESG program will address critical global issues such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and global warming, reinforcing ALQC’s commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability.
Governor Garcia expressed appreciation for ALQC’s commitment to sustainable business practices. She emphasized the importance of fostering strong partnerships between the government and the private sector to ensure that both the economy and the environment are prioritized.
The signing of the Undertaking of Support represents a significant step towards rebuilding of trust between ALQC and local governments involved. It signals the company’s renewed focus on responsible business practices, aiming to ensure that its quarrying operations not only contribute to the economic development of Cebu but also support environmental stewardship and social well-being.
The undertaking is seen as a crucial move for ALQC, which has faced scrutiny in the past due to concerns about its environmental impact. With this pledge, the company seeks to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable operations and its responsibility as a corporate citizen within the province of Cebu. | JMT
