BARANGAY Sum-ag village Chief Rodney Carmona has sought the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu to investigate the alleged ongoing beach resort project at the entrance of Sum-ag River in Bacolod City.
In his letter dated May 19, 2021 and addressed to Cimatu, Carmona said there is an ongoing beach resort project at the entrance of Sum-ag River and utilized about two or three hectares of mangrove areas on the adjacent location of Purok Mabinuligon II of Barangay Sum-ag and part of Purok Balas, Barangay Pahanocoy.
On May 19, Barangay Sum-ag officials inspected the project construction site.
Carmona said they found out that the developer was able to construct a mini wharf at the entrance of Sum-ag River using concrete boulder materials, which made the entrance narrow.
“It is clearly dangerous and it became a navigational hazard for the incoming and outgoing fishing vessel utilizing Sum-ag River as docking area,” he said.
He added the project using heavy equipment and manpower was able to illegally cut full-grown mangroves without an application or authority from the barangay, which greatly affect the living condition of the residence of Mabinuligon II and nearby areas, at the same time, depriving the growth of fishes in its breeding ground.
Carmona also submitted the petition letter of the fisherfolk association to the DENR, denouncing the beach resort development project.
Carmona said he is hopeful that the DENR will act on their complaint.