Batching plant developer backs out over Benguet town objections

BAGUIO CITY — A proposed batching plant project in Barangay Beckel in La Trinidad, Benguet, has been dropped after its developer surrendered his environmental clearances amid strong community opposition.

In an August 3 online post, La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan said Ben P. Cayabas, owner and proprietor of Datanian’s Batching Plant, which was being put up along the Baguio-Ambuklao Road, formally requested the cancellation of his environmental compliance certificate issued by the Environmental Management Bureau, which paved the way for its construction. 

According to Awingan, Cayabas also declared that he would no longer pursue the development, construction and operation of the batching plant.

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The project had drawn opposition from residents of Sitio Busi, who raised concerns over its alleged impact on water sources, roads, nearby homes and the environment.

In a June 5 statement, the Beckel Barangay Council said it had been coordinating with municipal and national agencies since February to address the community’s concerns.

The council said the Municipal Planning and Development Office issued notices of violation to the plant management on Feb. 9 and March 19. On March 20, it asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region to conduct an environmental inspection and risk assessment.

A joint inspection on March 23 resulted in the operator being ordered to stop activities until the required permits were secured, the council said.

The barangay later filed complaints with the EMB-CAR, the mayor’s office and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, citing alleged damage to a provincial road, disruption of domestic water sources, the project’s proximity to residential areas, and potential risks from silica dust, noise and wastewater or chemical runoff.

Residents of Sitio Busi submitted a formal petition opposing the project on June 1.

The following day, the municipal government served Cease and Desist Order No. 03, series of 2026, against Cayabas. 

The barangay council said the Municipal Planning and Development Office reported that the project had not secured or applied for required permits, including a locational clearance and mayor’s permit./coa