SAGAY, Negros Occidental. On August 7, 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sprang into action following a molasses spill near Sagay Feeder Port, this town. At approximately 9:00 AM, port personnel noticed a discoloration in the water surrounding the MT Mary Queen of Charity, a 490-GT vessel involved in shore-to-ship operations.
During these operations, the vessel was in the process of transferring molasses from a truck to the ship. By the time the discoloration was detected, around 300 metric tons of molasses had already been loaded. The port personnel suspect that an undetermined amount of molasses spilled during this process.
The Coast Guard response team promptly instructed the vessel’s master to halt the loading operation while they assessed the situation. The Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU) of the PCG has since been engaged in water sampling, containment, and recovery efforts. Coordination is also underway with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the local government unit (LGU) to implement further measures.
In addition, the Coast Guard has directed the vessel’s master to file a marine protest in connection with the incident.
Molasses spills can have serious environmental consequences. As a byproduct of sugar production, molasses is rich in organic matter. When it contaminates ocean waters, it can lead to:
- Oxygen Depletion: Bacteria breaking down molasses consume large amounts of oxygen, which can cause hypoxia, harming marine life.
- Toxicity: High concentrations of molasses can be toxic to marine organisms such as fish and invertebrates.
- Habitat Damage: Its sticky nature can smother coral reefs and other marine habitats, disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.
- Water Quality: The presence of molasses affects water quality, potentially leading to long-term ecological impacts.
The full extent of the damage remains under investigation, but the situation underscores the potentially severe and lasting impact of such spills on marine ecosystems and local economies dependent on healthy marine environments.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
