World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
A year after Negros wastewater spill, Bais Bay communities seek support
On Oct.
26, 2025, a wastewater spill from an ethanol plant flooded Bais Bay on the Philippine island of Negros.
The collapse released 255 million liters of wastewater into the bay, spreading across 17 coastal villages and killing fish and seaweed.
The spill affected at least 3,000 fishers, fish pen operators and seaweed growers, whose livelihoods depend on the water.
Bais Bay connects to the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, a major marine protected area that is home to at least 14 cetacean species, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
Nine months after the spill, scientists found almost 70% of coral dead in affected areas, along with dying seagrass beds in the north of the bay.
A year later, residents say they have received little support, and no case has been resolved.
The ethanol distillery is expected to return to full capacity, but residents say they have not been told whether or when measures will prevent another spill.
A wastewater spill from an ethanol plant on Negros contaminated Bais Bay on Oct. 26, 2025.
The spill released 255 million liters of wastewater and reached 17 coastal villages.
It killed fish and seaweed, affecting at least 3,000 fishers, fish pen operators and seaweed growers, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Nine months later, scientists found almost 70% of coral dead in affected areas and dying seagrass beds in northern parts of the bay.
A year after the spill, residents say their livelihoods have been devastated and they have received little support from the company responsible.
- Who
- Residents and coastal workers in Bais and Manjuyod, and Universal Robina Corporation, the ethanol plant operator.
- What
- A wastewater spill damaged marine life and disrupted coastal livelihoods. Residents say they have received little support and want action to prevent another spill.
- When
- The spill occurred on Oct. 26, 2025; the article was published a year later.
- Where
- Bais Bay, Negros, Philippines, across coastal villages in Bais and Manjuyod.
- Why
- The plant’s waste-effluent embankment collapsed, releasing wastewater into the bay.
Bais Bay residents
Universal Robina Corporation
Support and prevention
Bais Bay residents
Residents say they have received little support and have seen no concrete programs to prevent another spill.
Universal Robina Corporation
URC says it sent 127 workers, alongside 20 coast guards, to repair the broken section.
The ethanol plant’s waste-effluent embankment collapsed and wastewater spilled into Bais Bay.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued URC an interim cease-and-desist order.
Bais was placed under a state of calamity by city officials.
The DENR said the spill had affected at least 3,000 fishers, fish pen operators and seaweed growers.
Scientists found almost 70% of coral dead in affected areas and dying seagrass beds in northern parts of the bay.
- Spill date
- Oct. 26, 2025
- Wastewater released
- 255 million liters
- Coastal villages affected
- 17
- People affected
- At least 3,000 fishers, fish pen operators and seaweed growers
- Coral damage
- Almost 70% dead in affected areas nine months after the spill
- URC repair effort
- 127 workers and 20 coast guards sent to repair the broken section
What people are saying
It was maybe around 7:00 a.m. when the dike broke
There’s no assurance that [spills] will never happen again
We haven’t seen any concrete programs from URC and the government agencies to prevent it