Environmental compliance a requisite to recla approval

CEBU, Philippines — While there are several applications for reclamation projects in Cebu, approval from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) depends on their compliance to strict environmental requirements.

In an interview with PRA general manager and chief executive officer (CEO) Atty. Janilo E. Rubiato, he said that although his office has signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with proponents of proposed big reclamation projects across the country, including those that are located in Cebu, “this does not mean that their projects are already approved.”

He said these projects still have to comply with environmental requirements and get necessary permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

To date, there are several proposed reclamation projects whose approval are still hanging due to stringent environmental sensibilities that need to be complied with by proponents.

In Cebu, Rubiato mentioned the pending reclamation project in Lapu-Lapu City North Reclamation and the 234.80-hectare reclamation project in the municipality of Consolacion, northern Cebu, the Seafront City.

Earlier, A Cebu-based think tank, FBS-Environment and Community Research and Development Services, released a study revealing environment hazards should reclamation projects be allowed in the coastal areas of Cebu.

FBS-Environment and Community Research and Development Services’ study specifically focused on the environmental hazards of the newest reclamation project, the 235.80-hectare pursued by the Consolacion LGU and its partner, La Consolacion Seafront Development Corporation (LCSDC).

“Should the reclamation project continue as it is, the damage to our marine biodiversity will be irreversible,” Dr. Filipina Sotto, the project leader of the think tank’s study warned.

“The loss of our natural resources will also harm the poor the most, such as the fisherfolk who rely on the sea for their income and sustenance,” she added.

In the think tank’s study, Dr. Sotto said her team said 75 species of corals can be found in Consolacion. She also found that fisherfolk from the neighboring towns of Consolacion still go to the proposed reclamation area for their livelihood, contrary to the LGU’s claims that there are no more people who fish in the area.

The study stated 500 fisherfolk from Consolacion, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Liloan will lose their livelihood if the reclamation project pushes through. Dr. Sotto also said seven mangrove species can be found in the proposed reclamation site.