Nod from recla body not needed - Capitol

CEBU, Philippines - The provincial government insisted that it has complied with the necessary requirements for the implementation of the Ro-ro terminal project in Cordova town.

Provincial Attorney Marino Martinquilla further insisted that the province need not secure prior authorization from the Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority to undertake the project because the law reportedly authorizes the same.

“I don’t see any role of the CPRA ani nga project kay klaro man sa balaod. Wa man gibutang diri na mu-coordinate mi sa CPRA.,” Martinquilla told reporters yesterday.

He cited Section 17, paragraph 3 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which states that the province is authorized to undertake infrastructure facilities intended to service the needs of the residents of the province, and which are funded out of provincial funds including but not limited to provincial roads and bridges, intermunicipal waterworks, flood control and irrigation system, reclamation projects and several facilities.”

“Since the province is authorized pursuant to the law, there is no need for prior authorization from CPRA because the law itself clearly provides that the province can undertake reclamation projects,” Martinquilla said.

The lawyer added that the project is funded out of provincial funds and was bid by the Bids and Awards Committee, which he himself has once chaired.

The lawyer further said that they have complied with the requirement, particularly the environmental compliance commitment from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7, which they acquired last March 2, 2010.

Ecology lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos earlier said that the massive earthmoving activities could take its toll on the town’s coastal ecosystem and displace fisherfolk once the project is implemented.

“So, ang DENR na mismo nag-issue ug ECC certifying na dili ni makadaot sa environment, otherwise, dili sila mu-issue,” Martinquilla said.

The lawyer, unfazed by possible charges to be filed by the CPRA and ecology advocates, said the project, which is targeted to be opened in June, will benefit not only Cebu but the entire country at large.

For his part, Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy, a former mayor of Cordova, said yesterday it is better to balance the aspect of development and the impact the project will have to the environment.

For this to happen, it is reportedly important for all stakeholders – including the fisher folk that are seen to be affected by the project - to come together and all requirements complied with.

“Kung naa man gani’y kakulangan sa mga documents then I suggest now that we comply…I see no problem there, it’s a matter of helping each other,” Sitoy told reporters. Environmental advocates expressed their sentiments against the ongoing Cordova Reclamation Project describing it as a threat to the sea grasses, mangroves and coral reefs that may be buried under filling materials.

Sitoy’s father, Adelino, the current mayor, is pursuing the reclamation project by the Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority (CPRA) to expand the development of its roll-on/roll-off port.

Sitoy said knowing his father is a descendant of fishermen, preserving the marine habitat is his utmost concern.

“Wa mi intention nga kulban namo sa ko(lo)n ang mga mananagat, we just making people understand nga unsa ni siya nga project ug asa sila mahaluna,” he said, adding, that the habitat of famous “bakasi” would be destroyed.

There are portions in Cordova town that are not productive for fishermen but are suitable for port or even airport, Sitoy said.

“You have to do something of certain portions nga dili kaayo productive sa mga tawo nga himoon nimong productive para makatabang sa mga tawo,” he said.

Environmentalist feared that almost 1,300 fishermen in Cordova town will be affected by the project.

They alleged that the project has not yet been approved by the Philippine Reclamation Authority but the local government unit has started dumping filling materials in the coastal barangay of Camolinas in Cordova town last January 28.

About 132 hectares of inshore land in Cordova was approved for reclamation by the Cebu Provincial Government and the Cebu Ports Authority.

There was a proposal to add 20 more hectares but this has yet to be issued an Environmental Certificate Clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (FREEMAN)