Rule on cutting of mangroves not absolute, DENR says

Photo by Arni Aclao/SunStar Cebu
Photo by Arni Aclao/SunStar Cebu

THE government’s policy prohibiting the cutting of mangroves in seashores is not absolute and it may be allowed if it’s needed to implement a road widening project.

This was the statement of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales following the questions raised by an environmentalist on the earth-balling of mangroves in Dumanjug town.

The DENR, through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), issued an earth-balling permit to transfer mangroves to suitable areas in Dumanjug to make way for the widening of a road there.

Gonzales said the “eminent domain” of the government over lands is constitutional and it would be an obstruction to development if the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is not allowed to widen roads.

He explained that when the government opened roads in seaside towns in the 1950s and 1960s, every road was supposed to have four lanes.

But because there were fewer residents then, only two lanes were developed with an option to widen the road when the need arises.

“That means if it (DPWH) will widen the entire span, the mangroves within the areas will be affected and shall be taken out. There were no mangroves when that specific Dumanjug road was opened,” Gonzales said.

He said the seashores of Dumanjug are part of the Tañon Strait, a protected area or a natural fish sanctuary. And since the area is not habited, it is not really critical, said Gonzales.

“But we have to support the development initiated by the government. DPWH will widen the road now so the area has to be cleared of mangroves,” he said.

Gonzales further explained that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) has a policy that prohibits the cutting of mangroves in seashores but it is not absolute.

This means they can earth-ball the mangroves and replant them elsewhere.

The PAMB, which is chaired by Gonzales, has recommended to transfer the mangroves and allow DPWH to widen the Dumanjug road, which is part of the improvement of all roads in Cebu.

For his part, Bfar 7 Director Alfeo Piloton told SunStar Cebu that since DENR and PAMB are the policy-making bodies for protected areas, he will not object to their decision. (EOB)

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