UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

KABACAN, COTABATO
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND
BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Name: Stefany C. Porras 4 BSABE-A Date: February 28, 2024

Survey Exercise No. 1

Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Facilities
and their Corresponding Regulatory Policies

Introduction

Assessing the environmental impact of agricultural practices is not just an

academic exercise, t's a vital step towards understanding our role in creating a
sustainable future. As Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) students, we
engaged on a journey to investigate how agricultural facilities manage their waste
and adhere to regulatory policies.
Our visit to Univanich Carmen Palm Oil Corporation in Carmen, North
Cotabato, provided invaluable insights into real-world waste management practices.
From converting waste fibers into useful products like compost and fertilizer to
implementing biogas production systems, we witnessed firsthand how the company
minimizes its environmental footprint.
During our tour, Engr. Leo Valdez, the laboratory advisor and pollution control
officer, showcased the corporation's state-of-the-art laboratory for testing chemicals
and waste before discharge. He elucidated the technologies employed, particularly
focusing on waste management strategies.
Furthermore, Engr. Leo enlightened us about the laws and regulations the
corporation adheres to. Through meticulous record-keeping and compliance
measures, they ensure responsible waste management practices.
This endeavor extends beyond a single visit, it's about fostering a deeper
understanding of waste generation and mitigation strategies in agriculture. By
engaging with various facilities, we aim to identify innovative solutions to mitigate
pollution and safeguard neighboring communities.
Ultimately, this activity empowers us as students to contribute meaningfully to
mitigating waste accumulation and protecting the health and livelihoods of
surrounding communities. Through our exploration, we strive to advance our
knowledge and skills in creating a more sustainable agricultural industry.
 Objectives

The objectives of this laboratory exercise include:

1. Undertake a survey of agricultural wastes, processes, systems and technologies
2. Learn different laws and regulations in the Philippines that addresses pollution from
agricultural facilities and its control and mitigation
3. Discuss the social, institutional, environmental, and legal aspects of waste treatment
and management systems.

I. Survey of Agricultural Enterprises and Environmental Issues in Barangay

Table 1. Survey of agricultural enterprises that has potential environmental impacts

Environmental Issues
Enterprise Type
Air Quality Water Quality Land Quality
Crop Production N/A N/A N/A
a.
Animal Production N/A N/A N/A
a.
Aquaculture/Fishery N/A N/A N/A
Production
a.
Food Production Univanich Contamination The
a.( palm oil) manufacturing of the surface generated solid
plant releases a water (nearby the wastes which
distinct odor farm canals, and are palm fibers,
that can be rice fields) due to machine scrap
harmful to the the leakage in metals, plastic
environment their waste outlet containers and
and the pipping system. other solid
community The liquid by- materials will
which was product will cause landfill
produced by- entered the rice expansion and
products during field areas having pollution in the
the process of contact with the long run if it will
crude palm oil flowing water not be taken
which are the causing it to be into
sludge and contaminated. consideration.
slurry from the
plantation.
 Table 2. Primary environmental Issues of local concern
Check importance of
Environmental Issues environmental issue locally
High Medium Low
Water Quality

Nitrate contamination of groundwater

Eutrophication of nutrient movement to surface
water
Fish kills from discharges to surface waters
Protection of community drinking water
supplies
Pesticides contamination to surface water
Pathogen contamination to surface water
Other _
Air Quality
Odors
Dusts
Ammonia Volatilization and deposition
Hydrogen sulfide
Other _
Land Quality
Pesticides contamination to land
Other

Survey of Institutions and Regulatory Policies in Univanich

Table 3. Survey of Environmental Regulations

(describe here the laws, regulations and other pertinent policies that addresses
environmental quality issues of agricultural enterprises. Be sure to cite specific provisions.)
Air Quality Water Quality Land Quality
National Philippine Clean Air Act of Philippine Clean Water Philippine Clean
1999, (Republic Act No. Act of 2004 (Republic Act Water Act of 2004
8749) No. 9275) (Republic Act No.
9275)
The Act calls for An act establishing a
the establishment of a comprehensive water An act establishing
national air pollution quality management a comprehensive
management program system, among other water quality
with a primary focus on things. This Act management
pollution prevention, as establishes water quality system, among other
well as the promotion of standards and things. This Act
mass media regulations, as well as establishes water
communication to raise pollution abatement and quality standards
public awareness and control from land-based and regulations, as
encourage active sources. well as pollution
participation in air quality abatement and
planning and monitoring. Presidential Decree No. control from land-
1067 (Water Code of the based sources.
Philippines of 1976)
Presidential Decree No.
984 (National Pollution Instituted the Water National Pollutant
Control Decree of 1976) Code of the Philippines, Discharge Elimination
providing for the System (NPDES) –
It is a national policy utilization, exploitation, Biosolids
for prevention, abating, development,
and controlling of pollution conservation, and Presidential Decree
of water, air, and land for protection of water No. 984 (National
more effective utilization resources to be subject Pollution Control
of the resources of the to the control and Decree of 1976)
country regulation of the
government through the It is a national
PNS/BAFPS 60:2008 NWRC. policy for prevention,
abating, and
The general principles controlling of
of good practice and DENR Administrative pollution of water, air,
minimum requirements Order 34, series of 1990, and land for more
for commercial or (Revised Water Usage effective utilization of
backyard animal and Classification/Water the resources of the
rearing/farming for food Quality Criteria) country
use are outlined in this
Code. Specific industry The Administrative PNS/BAFPS 60:2008
standards for different Order 34 series of 1990, The general
species of animals and issued by the principles of good
different types of Department of practice and
production systems may Environment and minimum
be devised as long as Natural Resources, requirements for
they meet the Code's established water quality commercial or
minimum requirements. criteria or standards backyard animal
 based on the beneficial rearing/farming for
PAES 414 Part 1 use of a body of water food use are outlined
Agricultural Structures - or classification of in this Code. Specific
Waste Management freshwaters and marine industry standards
Structures waters, providing a for different species
Part 1: Agricultural Liquid basis for determining the of animals and
Waste suitability of water different types of
bodies for specific uses. production systems
This standard may be devised as
specifies the minimum Presidential Decree No. long as they meet
requirements for design 984 (National Pollution the Code's minimum
and construction of Control Decree of 1976) requirements.
structures for the
management of liquid PNS/BAFPS 60:2008
component of agricultural R.A 9003
waste. This standard PAES 414 Part 1 The Ecological Solid
excludes wastewater with Agricultural Structures - Waste Management
chemicals and fertilizers. Waste Management Act of 2000
Structures
Part 1: Agricultural provides the
PAES 414 Part 2 Liquid Waste necessary policy
Agricultural Structures - framework,
Waste Management institutional
Structures mechanisms and
Part 2: Agricultural solid mandate to the local
waste – Composting government unites
(LGUs) to achieve
This standard specifies 25% waste
the minimum reduction through
requirements for establishing an
composting agricultural integrated solid
solid waste management. waste management
It does not include plan based on 3Rs
hazardous solid waste. (reduce, reuse and
recycling).

PAES 414 Part 1

Agricultural
Structures - Waste
Management
Structures

Provincial DENR EO #26 s.
2011
Make use of forest
management techniques to
combat climate change,
ensure the sustainable
management of natural
resources, and lessen
poverty.
The government is starting a
significant greening initiative
with the goal of decreasing
rural poverty while assuring
food security, preserving
biodiversity, and addressing
climate change.
Municipal Ecological Solid Waste
Management Ordinance
(RES. NO. 068-S-2009)
An ordinance providing
for ecological solid waste
management prescribing
REGION 12 – Hazardous
waste Management
Banning aerial spraying
DENR EO #26 s.
2011
make use of forest
management techniques
to combat climate change,
ensure the sustainable
management of natural
resources, and lessen
poverty.
The government is starting
a significant greening
initiative with the goal of
decreasing rural poverty
while assuring food
security, preserving
biodiversity, and
addressing climate change.
Ecological Solid Waste
Management Ordinance
(RES. NO. 068-S-2009)
An ordinance
providing for ecological
solid waste
Part 1: Agricultural
Liquid Waste
PAES 414 Part 2
Agricultural
Structures - Waste
Management
Structures
Part 2: Agricultural
solid waste -
Composting
REGION 12 –
Hazardous waste
Management
DENR EO #26 s.
2011
make use of forest
management
techniques to combat
climate change,
ensure the sustainable
management of natural
resources, and lessen
poverty.
The government is
starting a significant
greening initiative with
the goal of decreasing
rural poverty while
assuring food security,
preserving biodiversity,
and addressing climate
change.
Ecological Solid
Waste Management
Ordinance
(RES. NO. 068-S-2009)
Resolution no. 017
 fees for solid waste management Res. No 143
management services prescribing fees for
declaring certain acts solid waste Res. No 2,007-S-2009
prohibited and providing management services
penalties, appropriate declaring certain acts
funds thereof, and other prohibited and
purposes. providing penalties,
appropriate funds
Resolution no. 017 thereof, and other
purposes.
An ordinance prohibiting
the undue burning of Res. No 143
agricultural end
products/materials -Prohibiting the use of
plastic carry-out bags
on dry goods, regulating
Res. No 2,007-S-2009 its use on wet goods

Res. No 2,007-S-2009

-Ordinance prohibiting
the indiscriminate cutting
of trees in both private
and public.

Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Ecological Solid Waste Ecological Solid

Management Ordinance Management Ordinance Waste Management
(RES. NO.16) (RES. NO.16) Ordinance
(RES. NO.16)
Ordinance providing Ordinance providing Ordinance providing for
for an ecological solid for an ecological solid an ecological solid
waste management waste management waste management

1. Which agencies are involved in regulating wastes from agricultural

enterprises? What are their roles?
a. The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) – Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – As the principal
government organization under DENR, EMB is responsible for developing,
 integrating, coordinating, supervising, and carrying out all plans, programs,
initiatives, and actions pertaining to pollution prevention and control as well
as environmental management and enhancement.
b. Department of Agriculture - The department is the government
organization in charge of creating policies, allocating funds, and offering
assistance to companies focused on exports and domestic markets in order
to foster agricultural growth. Generating, extending, and commercializing
relevant and problem-oriented postharvest and mechanization technologies
for agriculture and fisheries, with a focus on agricultural waste and by-
product usage, is one of its goals.
c. National Solid Waste Management Commission - the primary organization
in charge of implementing Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The law, which came into effect on
January 26, 2001, mandates the creation of a national program to oversee
the nation's solid waste management operations, including disposal,
processing, transfer, and transportation. The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), which will serve as the Commission's chair, will
recommend policies to efficiently carry out the objectives of RA 9003. As
mandated by law, end users and local governments will be in charge of
putting in place appropriate solid waste management systems.
d. League of Provinces – They have a duty to support local government units
(LGUs) in order to enable them to comply with the National Solid Waste
Management Commission. This includes helping LGUs with the safe closure
and restoration of their open and controlled disposal facilities as well as their
ultimate disposal facilities and technologies.
e. LGUs - RA 9003 states that local government units (LGUs) must target
a 25% waste reduction by adopting integrated solid waste management
plans based on the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle). LGUs are
primarily responsible for effective and efficient solid waste management,
particularly garbage segregation and disposal. Materials recovery
facilities (MRFs) and sanitary landfills must be built as part of every
local government's 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP).

2. Do regulations vary upon size of operations?

In fact, it is standard procedure in agriculture to differentiate between
small-, medium-, and large-scale operations because of this. There are
fewer uniform regulations and requirements for small-scale initiatives,
such backyard projects and small businesses, throughout many
jurisdictions. In contrast, medium- to large-scale activities are subject to a
wider range of restrictions.
3. Do regulations vary based on species/commodities?
To protect the environment and public safety, some commodities and
 species need limits that are better suited to their needs. There are extra
rules that need to be observed because some waste types can release
more chemicals, bacteria, scents, etc. when they are disposed of.
4. Is a permit required to construct a waste management facility?
In accordance with Florida law, every group that wishes to create or
construct a facility must obtain a permit. Administrator. Code R: 62-
701.320 states that no solid waste management facility may be
constructed, run, maintained, changed, or closed without permission from
the Department or a local program operating under a delegation
agreement with the Department. The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources must grant licenses and clearances before any Solid
Waste Management (SWM) facility may be built or put into service. The
solid waste permitting system offers legislative protections to ensure
appropriate solid waste facility development, operation, and closure in
order to safeguard the environment, public health, and safety.

V. Survey of Environmental Technologies

Table 4. Survey of environmental technologies practiced in the locality
Technologies/ Environmental Operator Problems
Practices issues addressed encountered
Annual Ecological Waste This practice will aid LGU Insufficient
Planning the problems in terms personnel’s funds and limited
of unplanned waste number of
disposal and absence individuals that
of strategic local are willing to
waste treatment. participate in the
said planning.
Regular collection and This will help to LGU Accumulation of
proper waste disposal of maintain the waste personnel’s waste can result
solid waste regulation and odor to odor emission
emission in the and
manufacturing plant accumulations of
and to all the offices. pathogens.
Waste Segregation and This one-of-a-kind Residents, The
Recycling practice will help to government accumulation of
manage the agencies and bacteria due to
generated waste officials. the combination
properly. of plastics and
biodegradable
waste.
Hazardous Waste Room By Trained Budget
constructing/providing individuals or Constraints,
hazardous waste professionals regulatory
room, the issues like compliance and
improper waste design
storage and the considerations.
lapses in the
management of
hazardous waste
such as chemicals,
solvents and other
toxic substances will
be handled safely.
Waste water treatment By having waste Univanich The untreated
facilities water treatment staffs and water from their
facilities it can help personnel’s manufacturing
the company to avoid plant can be a risk
issues with regards to to the river, farm
water contamination canals, irrigation
produced by the channels that can
effluent from their cause a severe
plantation. Also to damage to the
treat the livelihood and to
contaminated water the health of the
with chemicals before people in the
releasing it to the locality.
River.
Separate drainage for The riparian Univanich Having no
surface run-off reserved that will staff and drainage
serve as natural personnel separated for
filters for the surface surface run off will
run-off from oil mills damage the near
in reference to water bodies and
Tacupan creek. can cause long
term destructions
of water to rivers
and farm canals.
Planting of 200 This will help the Univanich Having no trees
mahogany and 30 fruit odor emission and staff and beside your
trees soil water holding workers plantation can
capacity inside the cause heat
 plantation. Also, to accumulation and
maintain an open other
areas as part of environmental
environmental factors that can
rehabilitation and affect the
protection measures enterprise.
Bioreactor/Biogas Waste AB High initial cost
technology management, energy engineers
production, resource and other
recovery, odor trained
control, and climate professionals.
change mitigation are
the environmental
challenges that will
be covered.
Case Study

1. Farm/Agricultural/ Fishery Facility

i. Describe the enterprise or facility (what are they doing, products, etc)
UNIVANICH's facility in Carmen, Cotabato focuses on palm oil production.
They harvest palm fruits from local plantations and extract crude palm oil
through a process called milling. This oil serves as a base for various products
like cooking oil, margarine, and soap. UNIVANICH ensures high-quality
production while prioritizing sustainable practices, including waste management
and environmental protection. They collaborate with nearby communities and
farmers, fostering economic growth and social development. In essence,
UNIVANICH's facility is a key player in the palm oil industry, providing essential
products while promoting responsible production methods for a brighter future.
ii. History of the enterprise

Univanich Thailand business rapid expansion in year 2013 was to invest

overseas. A palm oil business was formed in the Southern Philippines in the
region of Mindanao. It was commissioned on North, Cotabato in 2014. The
enterprise was established on the same successful philosophy of Khun Chean
Vanich, of “sharing the knowledge and spreading prosperity within the
communities in which they operate”.
Over the years, Univanich has played a significant role in the local economy,
providing employment opportunities and contributing to the development of
surrounding communities. The company has continuously refined its processes
to ensure efficiency and environmental responsibility, earning recognition for its
commitment to sustainable palm oil production.
Today, Univanuch in Carmen, Cotabato, stands as a cornerstone of palm oil
industry in the Philippines, serving as a model for responsible agriculture
practices while meeting the growing demand for palm-oil based domestically
and internationally.

iii. Significance of the enterprise in agriculture

Univanich hold a significant importance in the agriculture landscape for

several reasons. First the economic contribution, the corporation plays a crucial
role in the local and regional economy by providing employment opportunities,
particularly in rural areas where jobs may be scare. Through its operations, it
contributes to income generation for farmers, workers, and the community at
large.
Furthermore, it contributes to the agricultural innovation, as the first palm oil
 crushing mill in North Cotabato, Univanich brings agricultural innovation to the
region. Its presence encourages the adoption of modern agricultural practice
and technologies , potentially increasing productivity and efficiency in the sector.
Product diversification, Univanich’s product range extends beyond crude
palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel to include value-added products derived from
waste, such as fiber for composting and fertilizers. This diversification adds
value to agricultural by-products, reducing waste and enhancing resource
utilization.

2. Problem Identification
a. What are the perceived environmental problems
i. Identified by the enterprise managers
Sludge leakage into the river was a previous problem that was mentioned by
the pollution control officer and laboratory advisor. There was an environmental
issue with this incident. Nonetheless, they guaranteed quick response,
demonstrating a proactive strategy to address environmental issues. This
declaration seems to indicate that the company is committed to following
regulations and being environmentally conscious. They probably reduced the
possibility of harm to the nearby ecology by acting quickly to solve the issue. It
emphasizes how crucial it is to monitor environmental threats closely and act
quickly, demonstrating a responsible and thoughtful attitude to corporate
operations.

ii. Identified by the students

During our visit to Univanich, I noticed a bad smell from the sludge, even when
we were 300 meters away from the plant. It seemed like the sludge could leak
out at any time, especially when they were producing a lot. This means that the
sludge could escape into the environment, which is not good because it can
harm plants, animals, and people. It's important for companies like Univanich to
make sure their waste doesn't leak out and cause pollution. They need to find
ways to manage it properly to protect the environment.

b. What are possible environmental problems according to laws and

regulations?
They presented papers that complied with environmental protection
regulations when we visited Univanich. Concerns about their processing plant's
contamination of the air and water still exist, nevertheless. They assert
adherence to waste management and pollution control legislation such as RA
9003, RA 9275, and RA 8749. Univanich should step up efforts to completely
abide by these regulations while still adhering to the requirements of the law.
This calls for the adoption of more environmentally friendly behaviors and the
 implementation of stronger pollution reduction policies. In line with the goals of
the aforementioned regulations, doing so guarantees a low impact on the
environment and protects the health of neighboring communities.

3. Conservation Objective
i. What perceived environmental problems you like to address?
During my visit, I'm concerned about the odor, plant waste, and its safe
disposal to avoid harming the community. Specifically, I want to understand the
disadvantages of palm oil mill effluent (POME). POME is a byproduct of palm oil
production known for its harmful effects on the environment. It contaminates
water sources, leading to pollution and endangering aquatic life. Additionally,
POME emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
Addressing POME disposal is crucial to mitigate its negative impacts and ensure
environmental sustainability. Therefore, I aim to discuss strategies for managing
POME responsibly during my visit to ensure the well-being of both the
community and the environment.

ii. What ideal state of environment you like to achieve?

"Giving back to the community and to the environment”

Planting more trees will help create a more sustainable environment by

reducing air pollution and promoting water retention, particularly in locations with
lower elevations. Further reducing the influence on the environment can be
achieved by teaching the community about sustainable farming methods. By
combining these programs, we meet societal and ecological demands and
promote a peaceful coexistence of humans and the natural world. We inspire
communities to be stewards of their surroundings and foster a healthier and
more resilient ecosystem for future generations by exchanging knowledge and
taking concrete action.
iii. Laws, rules and regulations you would like to conform with.
In order to maintain environmental responsibility, Univanich needs to make
sure that local and national legislation in the Philippines are followed. Strict
adherence to air emission limits is necessary to reduce pollution and safeguard
human health. Waterway contamination must be avoided in order to protect
aquatic habitats, and proper wastewater treatment and discharge must follow
rules. Furthermore, it is imperative to adopt conscientious waste management
strategies in order to reduce the ecological footprint and advance sustainability.
Univanich shows its dedication to environmental stewardship and helps to
protect natural resources for future generations by abiding by these rules and
regulations.
 4. Assessment of environmental weak points
i. Possible waste generation or production sites
Waste products from Univanich's palm oil processing operations include
fruit bunches, shells, and scrap metals from the processing facility; they also
include used oils and scrap metals from maintenance tasks, as well as
standard office trash like paper and electronics. To reduce waste
management's negative effects on the environment, it is essential to identify
these waste sources. Univanich can lessen the amount of trash produced and
lessen its harmful effects on the environment by using appropriate procedures
for waste segregation, recycling, and disposal. Furthermore, putting measures
in place to recycle or reuse specific waste items can improve sustainability
initiatives and support the business's overall environmental responsibility.
ii. Critical areas that can be affected by the environmental problem

The operations of Univanich have the potential to cause serious environmental

concerns, such as runoff from palm oil plantations polluting water bodies,
inadequate wastewater management contaminating nearby rivers, and air
emissions creating pollution and health hazards. Elephants and orangutans are
among the species at risk due to habitat loss and fragmentation, which also
threaten biodiversity. The long-term viability of Univanich's activities and the
reduction of adverse effects on ecosystems and communities downstream
depend on addressing these issues.
 iii. Persons/ community affected by the enterprise.
The activities of Univanich Palm Oil Corporation affect a number of individuals.
The growth of palm oil plantations has created rivalry and displacement for local
farmers, endangering their means of subsistence and customs. Indigenous
groups' ability to subsist and maintain their cultural identity is weakened by land
loss, altered traditional practices, and restricted access to resources. Workers
deal with difficult working circumstances, labor rights issues, and occupational
hazards. Residents in the vicinity are subjected to environmental pollution,
which can result in health complications such respiratory disorders and
waterborne infections. Furthermore, the growth of palm oil plantations poses a
threat to nearby ecosystems, resulting in the loss of habitat, a decrease in
biodiversity, and an ecological imbalance in wetlands, rivers, and forests. This
disturbs the region's overall ecological balance and resilience by putting
endangered species and ecological processes under jeopardy.

VII. Summary and Conclusion

Univanich Palm Oil Corporation's produce products and contributes to the

livelihood of the community. Along with that its operations impact local farmers,
indigenous communities, employees, nearby residents, and ecosystems. Small-
scale farmers face difficulties like competition, displacement, and unstable
livelihoods, while indigenous peoples face cultural disturbance and land loss. In
addition to the health risks and pollutants that neighboring populations confront,
workers also face occupational dangers. Additionally endangering nearby
ecosystems, the expansion results in a loss of habitat and a fall in biodiversity.
In order to overcome these obstacles, comprehensive strategies that prioritize
biodiversity preservation, community well-being, and sustainable land
management techniques must be implemented in concert.
VIII. Documentation