Tuesday, May 13, 2008 PB opposes Lapu’s recla project
THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) yesterday expressed opposition to the proposed construction of the controversial P10-billion Mactan North Reclamation and Development Project.
The PB said there was no public consultation held on the project and it bypassed several government agencies.
“Without necessarily touching on the viability or the wisdom of the reclamation project, we cannot help but notice the absence of consultations and public hearing with the different government agencies, constituents, environmental advocates, and different stakeholders as to the social acceptability and environmental impact of the project,” the resolution stated.
The motion was sponsored by Cebu Provincial Board member Victor Maambong and was approved on mass motion during the PB’s regular session yesterday.
“The proposed site for the reclamation project covers an ecologically important channel and body of water, which does not only serve as a vital nautical passage for the trade and commerce of Cebu but more importantly a home to rich and diverse marine species,” the resolution read.
During the recent meeting with members of the Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB), Cebu Gov.
Gwendolyn Garcia said the reclamation project bypassed some government agencies.
MOA
Lapu-Lapu City Government officials entered into and signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) without consulting local authorities, Garcia said.
“This is very, very near the airport and there could be an effect on the operations of the airport. The airport has its own expansion plans that may not be in consonance with the proposed reclamation project,” said Garcia.
National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) 7 Director Marlene Rodriguez agreed, saying the area to be reclaimed is also near the Mactan Channel.
Channel
“It constricts the channel, the movement of sea lanes will be affected,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez also questioned how the City got PRA to sign a MOA when government agencies here were not even informed about the project.
“This is not a simple development. It should have gone through the process,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said the project should have the approval of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Cebu Port Authority (CPA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
It should also have the endorsement of the Provincial Development Council, Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority, said Rodriguez.
But Lapu-Lapu City Attorney Joseph Vincent Lim said local officials cannot question the project anymore since President Arroyo has already approved it.
Approved
“This project already has the approval of the President. If the President has approved the project, who else could question it?” Lim told reporters.
And if Garcia insists on questioning it, she should raise her complaint directly to Malacañang, Lim said.
The PB said Mactan Channel was a mute witness to the history of the Islands of Mactan and Cebu when trading galleons and war ships navigated through its pristine waters.
“We have but one environment to conserve and protect, and that is what surrounds and sits within Cebu’s environment.
(We owe this) to our Cebuano forefathers and it needs to be protected rather than destroyed in the guise of progress,” she said.
For his part, Cebu PB member Wilfredo Caminero is wary of the effect the reclamation project has to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
“Putting up the reclamation in the area without consultation from government agencies will most likely affect the economic business and trade in the area,” Caminero said.
Maambong agreed. He said environmental issues don’t recognize political boundaries. The Lapu-Lapu City Government must consider the project’s effect on the environment, he said. (GMD)
