Taking Concrete Steps

NCC’s Environment Management Policy states, “NCC is committed to fulfill compliance obligations to protect the environment where we operate, for the prevention of pollution, sustainable use of resources, mitigation, and adaptation to climate change, and for the protection of biodiversity ecosystems. We endeavor to improve our environmental performance, taking into account the significant aspects and impacts in our business operations, the needs and expectations of our customers, and of relevant interested parties in achieving our environmental objectives and targets. We pursue improvements to our environmental management system in keeping with our corporate values, anchored on our Vision and Mission, in our desire to become a world-class cement company and a true advocate of responsible mining.”

In compliance with DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21 (the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995), our Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) is a comprehensive 25-year plan, which details NCC’s methods and procedures to attain its environmental protection and management objectives over the life of the mine. Following this long-term plan, the Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP) expounds on NCC’s plans for 2022, which included the following programs:

1. Establishment of Reforestation Areas.

   This includes establishing partnerships with various groups (private sector, the academe, LGUs, and community-based organizations) to conduct tree planting activities and re-green areas that are idle and open. For 2021 and 2022, with the assistance of City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Urdaneta and CENRO Alaminos, the company established partnerships with people’s organizations. The first is with the NAEVAM Irrigators Association Inc. located at Barangay Nangapuan, San Quintin, Pangasinan, which became the company’s partner in the Expanded National Greening Program (ENGP) or Bamboo Plantation Program. NCC established a Satellite Nursery where NAEVAM can store and maintain bamboo propagules until they are ready for planting. NCC’s commitment is to plant 126 hectares of bamboo, and as of December 2022, a total of 35 hectares have already been planted. Another people’s organization partner is the Villacorta Greenthumb Development Association in Mabini, Pangasinan. The total area for this program is 70 hectares, for which timber, fruit bearing, and bamboo trees are to be planted.

   

   Members of Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) validating NCC’s environmental compliance. MMT is composed of MGB, EMB and Chairman of NCC’s host and neighboring barangays.

   

   Members of Bangol Canit Ibaloi Samahang Tribu Sa Kaunlaran propagating fruit bearing and timber wood seedlings in their own nursery.

   Amidst the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, NCC celebrated Arbor Day on June 10, 2022 by replanting more than 1,550 assorted fruit bearing and hardwood seedlings within a 2-hectare land located at Purok 6, Barangay Nama, Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. The activity was undertaken with partners from the DENR, the National Commission on Indigenous People, NCC’s host and neighboring communities, indigenous cultural communities, people’s organizations, students, and teachers.

   

   NCC celebrated Arbor Day and Environment Month through massive tree planting with its employees together with partners from various schools, government agencies, Barangay Government Units, Municipal Governments of Sison and Pozorrubio and Indigenous Cultural Communities.

   NCC also joined the national celebration of Arbor Day on June 25, 2022 by conducting tree planting and officially launching its Arboretum in a 2-hectare property located in Sapid Mini Forest. The Arboretum houses various endemic and fruit bearing trees such as palosapis, lauan, narra, cacao, balimbing, guyabano, and makopa.

   As the development at the Mining Area continues, NCC ensures that topsoil is saved for reforestation. To date, a total of 4,714 MT of topsoil are stored at the stockpile area for reforestation activities and nursery use. Sapid Forest has been an area for various environmental management activities such as seedling propagation and production, seed germination, and hunting of wildings for propagation. A clonal facility, where stem cuttings are used to reproduce seedlings, has been expanded for use in research programs and propagation of citrus fruits and other dipterocarp trees.

   NCC also involves local communities in its various environmental programs. This year, the company partnered with Bangol Canit Ibaloi Samahang Tribu Sa Kaunlaran, a community-based forest management association located in Barangay Inmalog, Sison, which is one of its neighboring communities. As part of the collaboration, NCC provided the association with the necessary resources, including a nursery and essential tools, to help them establish their own seedling production. In return, the association sells seedlings to NCC for its greening and reforestation initiatives. This mutually beneficial partnership is set to continue until 2026, during which period, NCC will purchase 35,000 seedlings from the association, while the association and its members will earn an estimated income of 1.35 million PhP.

   NCC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment is further showcased by its National Greening Program and Mining Forest Program. From July 2021 to June 2022, NCC successfully planted 15,995 seedlings over 15.4 hectares, as part of its National Greening Program. Additionally, as part of its Mining Forest Program, it planted 200 seedlings over 0.8 hectares during the same period.

2. Water Resources.

   To ensure that all water leaving its facility is free from harmful contaminants, NCC continuously maintains all silting ponds, draining canals, and oil and water separators, which are crucial in filtering out any pollutants from the water. Additionally, it regularly conducts clean-up drives along four creeks that receive the discharged water: Buli Creek, Bagutan Creek, Kubuar Creek, and Sapid Creek. To further guarantee the safety of its discharged water, NCC conducts monthly internal water sampling, with results consistently meeting DENR effluent standards. These results are verified through testing carried out by an external DENR-accredited testing center. Moreover, NCC also ensures the proper disposal of all hazardous waste generated during its operations. All hazardous waste is labeled, stored, and disposed properly through DENR-accredited waste haulers, with no chemicals or hazardous waste ever being disposed of in local water bodies.

3. Noise and Vibration.

   To ensure that its operations are within the acceptable noise levels according to DOLE and DENR standards, NCC conducts its own ambient noise level monitoring at Sitio Saguitlang in Barangay Labayug and Barangay Inmalog. Furthermore, during blasting operations, NCC works with Delta Earth Moving Inc. to monitor vibration levels using specialized vibrometer equipment. This ensures that the vibrations caused by our operations are within the required parameters, and that any potential risks to nearby communities or infrastructure are minimized.

4. Air Quality.

   To control dust and emissions generated during quarry operations, NCC uses water trucks at the Shale and Limestone Quarry to suppress dust generated during blasting operations. Additionally, it employs a vacuum truck to siphon dust along paved roads. Plans are in place to procure a new and more efficient vacuum truck, which will increase the existing equipment’s capability. Furthermore, NCC conducts regular emission testing of heavy equipment involved in quarry operations. It also carries out internal monthly ambient air monitoring at all identified sampling points, in addition to confirmatory sampling conducted during Multipartite Monitoring Team visits. All test results have passed and are within the DENR parameters, indicating that NCC’s measures are effective in controlling emissions and ensuring the air quality in the surrounding communities.

   

   Java Sparrow, categorized as one of the endangered species, is found within NCC’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).

   

   Philippine Collared Dove, categorized as Vulnerable Species, is seen roaming around NCC. Researchers believe that the surrounding area of NCC provides food.

5. Conservation Values.

   NCC conducts Information and Education Campaigns to raise awareness and establish volunteer programs that foster collaboration between the company and the community in conservation efforts.

6. Environmental Research.
   1. Inventory of Flora and Fauna

      NCC upholds its commitment in identifying, conserving, and enriching biodiversity, as the preservation of flora and fauna is essential for maintaining ecological balance. To develop effective conservation and preservation programs, the company must first determine the occurrence and distribution of the various plant and animal species thriving within the NCC’s MPSA. By doing so, NCC can define and implement measures that will help protect these species and their habitats.

   2. Siltation Pond Efficiency

      Quarry areas are sources of silt and sediments that have the potential to cause adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems and downstream communities if not properly managed. These impacts can be mitigated through a number of techniques. During quarry operations, silt is often suspended in the water, and if left unchecked, can harm sensitive aquatic organisms. To address this, NCC conducts Siltation Pond Efficiency Research to assess, evaluate, and monitor the sedimentation rate of all siltation ponds. This research helps the company develop environmental programs and assess the effectiveness of its mitigating measures.

      
      An Information Education Communication on NCC’s environmental performance is conducted to our host community. The activity is headed by Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Environmental Management Bureau of Region 1 and members of Multipartite Monitoring Team.
7. Training.

   To stay up to date with environmental and mining regulations, NCC regularly enrolls its personnel in relevant training programs. For example, the members of the Multipartite Monitoring Team recently underwent Basic Pollution Control Orientations to update them with current trends in pollution control and enhance their knowledge and understanding of environmental programs, policies, and laws.

   NCC’s AEPEP, as reported in the 2022 Tenement, Safety and Health, Environment and Social Monitoring Validation, achieved physical and financial accomplishment of 89%, which is higher than the passing rate of 85%. This result demonstrates NCC’s commitment to meeting and exceeding regulatory standards for environmental protection, safety, and social responsibility.

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