Wednesday, October 11, 2006 Speak out: Pinamungajan project By George Nemenzo Pinamungajan, Cebu
(This is an open letter to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia)
I am writing this to seek assistance and for the public to know. This is about the proposed reclamation project to be undertaken by the municipal government of Pinamungajan.
A letter dated Sept. 15, 2006 signed by Mayor Jeffrey Yapha sought your favorable endorsement of this 4.5 hectares reclamation project pursuant to the Local Government Code of 1991 and as chairman of the Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority.
This project has an appropriation of P6.9 Million, with reference to Item D Capital Outlay, Fund Account 101, Local Budget Preparation Form 157.
It is also being supported by SB Resolution No. 96, asking from you the authority to undertake such project.
The proposed reclamation site is a portion of what Pinamunganjons popularly call sawang (basin), which is protected by two coral reefs in the west facing the island of Negros.
This sawang hosts schools of mangsi, bolinao, humay-humay, kubal-kubal, salmonite and other species.
When filling materials are put in place, sea water will definitely be silted threatening the coral reefs, mangroves, sea grasses and estuarine.
Aside from the destruction of fish and marine ecosystem, the project will also destroy mountains and its vegetative cover because of the need for huge volume of filling materials.
Furthermore, can they not be practical in acquiring space for a bus terminal, a slaughterhouse and a wet market? Can they not use the P6.9 million instead to acquire a property for these projects and save our foreshore areas?
Governor, please help us in enlightening these municipal officials of their misplaced priorities. Lecture them on how to take care of our coastlines currently threatened.
