Residents of Barangay Imok, Calauan, Laguna successfully blocked the planned construction of an 84.23-hectare sanitary landfill in their community. The project would have covered farmland and the high slopes of Mount Kasilungan.

In a special session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on April 8, officials passed a resolution rejecting the landfill permit of South Luzon Waste Management Corporation.

During the session, residents of Barangay Imok, people from San Pablo City, and groups Pagkakaisa at Ugnayan ng Mamamayang Tutol sa Landfill (PUMATOL, or People’s Network Against Landfill), San Pablo Ayaw sa Korapsyon (SAPAK, or San Pablo Against Corruption), Samahan ng Pitong Lawa–San Pablo, and Save Laguna Lake Movement protested outside the Laguna Provincial Capitol.

Residents have actively opposed the project since February. The local council passed an ordinance on March 11 approving the landfill despite widespread opposition from residents, farmers, and fishers of Calauan and nearby San Pablo City. The company has already damaged parts of the mountain.

The local government initially denied planning any landfill in the community. Police and municipal personnel threatened residents and forced them to take down protest materials attached to their houses. Calauan Mayor Roseller Caratihan also warned he would file cases against anyone who resisted the plan.

Residents insist the project would contaminate the quality of air and water in the area and threaten the health and safety of those living in the affected communities.

Although the project has not received full approval, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau 4A has already issued a Certificate of Non-Coverage, attesting that the project would not affect any protected land.