Fishers oppose Talisay City port project

CEBU, Philippines — Two days before Christmas, fisherfolk, fish vendors, and youth advocates held a "caroling rally" in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau Central Visayas (DENR-EMB)-7 in Mandaue City.

The rally was to amplify their opposition to the proposed SeaOil Terminal Storage and Jetty Port Facility project in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City.

During the protest, locals, particularly members of the Mangigisda sa Talisay Pamo Association (MATAPA), voiced their concerns especially regarding their livelihoods through fishing.

The protesters brought signs that read “Save our Seas”, “Protect our Fishing Grounds”, and “Save our Seas, Save our Future”, among others.

MATAPA Vice President Joksan Branzuela said that fishing is the locals' primary source of income, and the proposed project would make it harder for them to fish, as it would reduce their fishing grounds.

“Amo g’yud ning batokan kay atong mananagat asa naman lang ni sila managat?” said Branzuela.

Branzuela said MATAPA alone has around 170 members, not including those from other associations in seven other coastal barangays in the city.

He also mentioned that the company is applying to the DENR-EMB for two documents: the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and the Miscellaneous Lease Agreement, as they plan to use the sea.

“Wala man mi nagdiktar sa EMB kay ila man nang function, ila pud ‘nang expertise. Ang amo diri is i-consider ang amoang mga concerns,” he added.

They sent an opposition letter around June but received a response from the environmental department only yesterday.

"Maong nianhi mi diri para maghugpong ming tanan kay dugay na ra ba kaayo mi. Mananagat jud among panginabuhi," said Merlina Albura a fish vendor in the said place.

DENR-EMB’s reply

While the protest was ongoing, three MATAPA members were invited inside the office of DENR-EMB-7 Regional Director Ma. Victoria Abrera for a dialogue.

Branzuela, one of the three invited, said Abrera's commitment was that their concerns had been considered, as no approval or denial had been made yet. She mentioned that they were still weighing the pros and cons of the project.

“Ang move ni RD is padad-an og letter ang SeaOil para pahatagon og commitment base sa among gi-raise na grounds,” Branzuela said.

In a separate interview, DENR-EMB-7 legal officer Atty. Unalee Monares said the company's application for the ECC is still pending. In fact, the project has not started yet.

“Samtang wala pa naaprobahan ang ECC, among gipaabot sa complainants nga tanan nilang concerns amo to siyang i-include sa study,” said Monares.

Monares explained that in the issuance of the ECC, a review process takes place, and an independent review committee will be hired to assist in recommending whether the issues and concerns raised by the complainants have been addressed by the company.

He added that before the ECC can be granted, the company must also pass an Environmental Impact Study. In addition to the ECC, the company will need to secure other permits from different government agencies.

“Bisan pag ma-issuehan puhon og ECC ang SeaOil, it does not give them the right or authority na mag-construct dayon sila,” he shared.

A copy of the official reply was made available to local media with the response of DENR-EMB-7 highlighting the project's merits.

The response said that that it supports national development objectives and offers long-term economic benefits to the local community.

The DENR noted that the facility would not only create jobs during its construction and operational phases but would also contribute to the local government's tax base, which would improve public services in Talisay City.

Regarding the social impact of the project, the DENR highlighted SeaOil's Social Development Plan (SDP), which outlines programs focused on recruitment, training, and livelihood. The SDP is designed to benefit communities in Barangays Tangke, San Roque, and Consojong.

“The beneficiaries of the SDP are mostly the communities of Barangays Tangke, San Roque and Consojong. The SDP will be implemented during the construction and operation phase of the project in partnership with local government units,” read a portion of the reply.

The DENR further said in the paper that the SeaOil project is still in the technical review phase, with additional data, information, and improvements to the EIS.

The department highlighted that this review process allows for the rectification of any deficiencies in the documents and ensures that all concerns will be addressed thoroughly. — (FREEMAN)