CEBU, Philippines - The management of the Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp., the developer of the Ciudad project, has resubmitted their Environmental Compliance Certificate application to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau.
The ECC application of Ciudad was earlier returned to the management by DENR after it found inconsistencies in the developer’s statements and documents as DENR awaits the resolution of the case filed by Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña against DENR officials in relation to the said project before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.
“We would like to assure your office, the Environmental Impact Assessment Review Committee and the general public that our company is transparent and has been consistent in judiciously following the legal requirements and processes for securing the necessary permits, clearances,” said Michael Lloyd Dino, Fifth Avenue executive vice president and chief executive officer.
Dino, in his letter to DENR Regional Director Fernando Quililan stated that while there is a statement of “no cutting of trees within the project site”, they are not deceiving the public and being inconsistent.
Dino said that as the proponent through the project’s EIS and the subsequent review discussions simply qualifies the “no cutting of trees” into specific and rightful actions – that of preservation/conservation of tree species protected by law and for its environmental significance/functions and, as much as possible replanting of all trees affected/disturbed by the development, all such actions are in compliance with legal requirements and guidelines.
He added that it would be deception if they literally stick with the statement and go on replanting/balling and removal of affected trees without making clarifications.
Mayor Michael Rama said he will not oppose the cutting of trees within the Ciudad project if the developer secures a permit from the EMB.
Rama said although he does not want old trees cut down, he can do nothing if it is for the development of the city because the construction of the Ciudad project will also generate employment.
Jonji Gonzales, spokesman for Fifth Avenue, assured that when EMB will approve their application for ECC, they will comply with the environmental laws.
Rama is hoping EMB officials will not delay the granting of the permit.
There are 332 trees representing 23 tree species in the said properties and only about ten percent are considered premium or endemic trees.
The rest of them are just short-lived and non-endemic like Ipil-ipil, Mahogany, Gmelina, Mansanitas, Kaimito and others.
According to Gonzales, they were even informed by the DENR officials that these kinds of trees do not even require cutting permit unless transported.
Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña had filed a case for graft and corrupt practices against Quililan and the chief of the EIA believing that they are about to favor the ECC application.
To recall, the Cebu City Planning and Development Office has already issued a locational clearance to the project and what the developer is waiting for is only the ECC so that it can apply for a building permit.
Meanwhile, Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda said if anyone stands to lose because of political pressure on the Ciudad project, it is not the Province of Cebu but Cebu City.
To recall, the developer promised employment for residents of Barangay Apas, Cebu City, when the Ciudad project is, and that it will generate more economic activities in the area.
“Unsa ma’y ikasakit namo sa probinsiya, pila naman na ka tuig wa gyud mi income diha, di ba? We are not going to lose anything but the opportunity is lost,” Sepulveda said.
Sepulveda said that to provide employment of the residents is not the concern of some politician, apparently referring to Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña, who is opposing the project.
In a recent statement, Osmeña said Rama should stop fooling the people with the Ciudad project.
“He is making it appear there is no other place in Cebu City where to build a mall,” Osmeña said, “what about in the North Reclamation Area where there are no trees at all?”
He said it seems Rama is keen on protecting a single business venture whose organizers were responsible for the destruction of the Ramos Market.
The Ciudad Project is a joint venture project between the Province of Cebu and the Fifth Avenue for the construction of five commercial establishments at the province-owned lot that used to be occupied by the Cebu International School.
It has been delayed for more than six years as it does not have an ECC yet, which is a requirement before the Cebu City government can issue a development permit for the project to be implemented. (FREEMAN)