Friday, August 15, 2008 Fongwan to villagers: Be business-friendly
VILLAGE officials in Benguet were told to be open-minded on investment proposals which do not compromise the environment.
Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan said objections to any project should only be made if these pose threats to the environment, and not because proponents failed to comply with vows of infrastructure.
He gave the advice to barangay officials during a recent workshop on budget preparation and management.
The governor said there are even projects which support the environment, like mini-hydros which produce power.
He said projects must be assessed based on how they affect the environment.
Projects deemed destructive should not be allowed but those which are environmentally-sound should be supported.
"Objections should be made if projects are destructive to the environment and not because previous proponents failed to comply with their vows to implement infrastructure projects," he said.
Fongwan made the pronouncements as various localities got their shares from the operations of dams and mining firms in the province. (JC)
