Bohol reclamation project needs study

PANGLAO IS., BOHOL , Philippines  - Mayor Benedicto Alcala, town officials and fishermen recently pressed for the start of the environment study on the proposed man-made offshore 450-hectare island reclamation project of this town.

Alcala said he believed this would be the only way to resolve the issue on whether the project is environmentally viable or not, notwithstanding the Municipal Council resolution opposing the project.

Resort operators and the Bohol Marine Triangle (comprising the towns of Dauis, Panglao and Baclayon) also opposed it, citing findings of a survey, but Alcala wanted to clear the matter once and for all by having the environment study done immediately.

Even the Provincial Tourism Council questioned why the proponent, Oasis Leisure Islands Development Inc. (OLIDI), offered the completed project at only P1 million per hectare to the provincial government.

OLIDI president Norris Oculam, clarified that he also wanted to have the environmental study be carried out soon to clear the matter of speculations.

He further vowed not to pursue the project once the study proves critical to the environment or else he would go ahead with it despite opposition.