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Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Councilor: Help, don't condemn, erring biz
CITY Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Tuesday said the city should not easily throw out business establishments here that have allegedly committed some lapses.
City Councilors Mahipus and Danilo Dayanghirang urged some groups and even some of their colleagues in the City Council not to be too critical of the operations of the business community as these criticisms might plaque them.
According to Panaghoy sa Kinaiyahan-Coalition for Mother Earth, the two councilors said that if criticism continues, the business community might be discouraged from pouring investments in Davao and consider the city a pariah to the business community.
The statements of the two councilors came after the city was embroiled by issues concerning environmental protection and preservation, which include the foreshore lease application and environmental compliance of cement maker Holcim and the hazards posed by local banana and pineapple plantation.
In view of this, the environmentalist group said that the two councilors are showing their bias against the environment and people over the welfare of some groups operating in the city.
"I believe that is a very sweeping statement of people who do not simply understand the workings of the government," Mahipus said.
In an interview, he said, environmentalists should also understand the efforts made by the local government.
"I am particularly pointing to the efforts of the government to invite businessmen and investors to come to our city to invest so that we can continue to derive taxes and revenues out of this but of course without necessarily sacrificing the efforts of the government to maintain and preserve our environment," said Mahipus.
He stressed that keeping the economy afloat by receiving investments and protecting the environment should be made balance to ensure development of the city.
"Hindi natin pwedeng sabihin that we have to only focus on one side otherwise government will fail," Mahipus said.
According to him, the city should help investors in correcting their lapses.
"What we are trying to say is tulungan natin tong mga investors, tulungan natin ang mga negosyante na kung meron silang mga kakulangan, we will help them to finally cope with the requirements of the law meaning to become legally existing," he said.
Mahipus cited banana plantations that have allegedly encroached over properties, which are declared watersheds.
"After delineating the boundaries where the watersheds are located, tell these banana plantations to move backwards and not to include the watersheds, simple as that," noted Mahipus.
If proven that these plantations commit violations like the use of pesticides that are obnoxious to the environment, he said, the city would call the attention of the plantations.
"And we make sure that mitigating measures are done or the total prohibition of the use of this banned pesticides will be keenly observed, not that we will call for their eviction or removal," he said.
He stressed that it would be grossly unfair for the government to eject business establishments without the benefit of due process.
"We cannot do that because they have been here and they are investing so much money in the as far as the development of the city is concerned," he added.
Mahipus also cited Holcim Corporation that has received complaints from the residents near its area.
"Now what i'm trying to say is sana wag tayong mag padalos-dalos kasi pag nawala yung mga investors dito for example Holcim is an investor in the city of Davao, were not saying that they are doing exactly correct," explained Mahipus.
He added, "But if there are lapses let us try to find out what are these lapses and if it can be remedied we suggest that the government should come in to help them to assist."
He also said it is where the Business Assistance Center of the city comes in situation to properly assist and help solve the problem with the least bloodshed.
"Wag nating gawing masyadong madugo to the point that these companies will leave Davao because its not easy to get investors to come to Davao but of course we should also remind the investors na you cannot go beyond what the law requires you," he stressed.
Mahipus disclosed that if establishment violates the law they would be dealt accordingly and give them a chance to rectify.
"I'm saying is they have to conform with the requirements of the law," he said.
If they would not conform to the requirements of the law, we would have to call them for a cease and desist operation," he said. (BRQ)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (November 16, 2005 issue)
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