Naga cement firm allows locals to keep using lot

CEBU, Philippines – At least 51 families occupying in a private company lot in the City of Naga can now heave a sigh of relief after they were given assurance that they will not be relocated.

This after residents of Barangay Tinaan sought the help of Mayor Valdemar Chiong and officials of APO Cemex Philippines regarding the status of their stay in an APO-owned property in Sitio Sindulan.

The court has reportedly decided with finality that APO Cemex is the lawful owner of the Sindulan lot, which is being occupied by the families.

In a consultation dialog, the residents sought the mayor's help that their stay in the area be extended.

In response, APO plant director Gerry Rota assured they would not be transferred while he is still the company's plant chief.

It can be recalled that the more than five hectares of mined-out areas in Sitio Sindulan within the 192-hectare property of the APO Cemex plant have been converted into a small forest area.

The firm began the program four years ago as part of the cement company's rehabilitation and recondition plan it presented to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mine and Geosciences Bureau.

Based on the plan, APO Cemex will restore other patched areas in different parts of the quarries.

The firm created its so-called ''Grow a Tree'' program requiring its employees to plant tree seedlings and to see to it that they grow and survive.