EIA SIMULATION/ROLE PLAY

The Universal Cement Corporation was planning to establish a cement

plant in Barangay Batoon, a coastal barangay in the Municipality of
Kalubihan. While the cement plant will be established in the coastal
barangay, the limestone to be used for the cement will be taken from
Barangay bukid and the quarry sites will cover several hundreds of
hectares. Universal Cement has convinced the municipal officials to
support the project as it will be generating jobs for more than 1,000 people
from the municipality, they will be building a hospital and school not to
mention the taxes they will be paying.
The municipal officials are in favor of the project since one of the problems
in the area is the lack of employment opportunities for its residents and
they are also excited about the hospital and school.

However, the barangay officials of the two affected barangays are divided.
Some of the are in favor and some of them are not. Those who are against
the project are citing environmental effects of the project since the coastal
area might be affected and as for the mountain barangay, they are afraid of
the landslides that may occur. Those in favor have similar reasons as the
municipal officials.

The residents in the nearby areas are also afraid of the health hazards from
the pollution particularly air pollution as an effect of the company
operations. However, there are also residents that are in favor as they are
planning to apply and work for the company.

The organization of fisherfolks are against the project as they foresee a

decrease in the fishery and marine resources which would affect their
livelihood. Farmers group are also against the project as it might affect the
fertility of the soil and their lands might also be affected by the quarry
areas.

Environmental and religious groups are also concerned on the

environmental effects of the project.

Because of the strong opposition, the DENR required a public hearing as

provided under the EIA Law.

Instructions:

Divide the class into groups of 3 members each.

Groups: 1. Hearing Officers

2. Universal Cement Corp
3. Municipal officials/
 4. Barangay officials Pro
5. Residents – Pro
6. Barangay officials- Con
7. Residents – Con
8. Fisherfolks
9. Farmers
10. Environmental/religious groups

Simulate the Public hearing that will happen.

The hearing officers will facilitate the public hearing by setting the rules eg.
Time limits, etc… and moderating the discussion and open forum. At the
end, they will present their conclusions and recommendations.

The Project proponent will present first their project and its effects on the
environment, the studies they have done and the measures they will
implement to protect the environment. This will be followed by letting all
sectors present their positions on the project. The Project proponent will be
given time to answer the concerns raised by the different sectors. An open
forum will then follow.

All Groups will submit their Position Papers to the Hearing Officers.
Hearing Officers will submit a written Report/Recommendation. All groups
should submit their position papers and Report/Recommendation to Google
Classroom.