DENR order on ‘uplifted’ areas opposed

CEBU, Philippines – The local government of Loon town in Bohol has opposed the implementation of DENR Administrative Order 2015-08 declaring as geological monument the coastal areas “uplifted” during the magnitude-7.2 earthquake in 2013.

Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez said the DENR did not conduct prior consultations with local officials and residents before issuing the order, and that there were still unresolved issues on the matter, one of which was the LGU’s right on the jurisdiction of the uplifted area that used to belong to the municipal waters.

The failure to conduct public consultation, was in violation of the Republic Act 9160 or the Local Government Code, said Lopez, adding that the LGU had made several requests to the DENR about it, but the latter allegedly “ignored” to undertake such.

Lopez said residents of the affected barangays have filed a petition opposing the implementation of the DENR order, which also provided a legal framework for the recognition, preservation and protection of the geological monument.

Also, the LGU was against the conduct of ground verification and installation of corner monuments at the coastal areas of Loon and Maribojoc towns, which were “uplifted” also after the earthquake, said Lopez.

DENR-7 spokesperson Eddie Llamedo said the regional office will refer Loon’s concern to the DENR central office for appropriate action.

According to the DAO, the “uplift” constitutes an irreplaceable segment of earth’s history and geological heritage and should therefore be preserved, protected and maintained for scientific, educational, and tourism purposes.

It covers an eight-kilometer span traversing Barangays Tangnan, Cuasi, Tontonan and Song-on in Loon and Barangays Punta Cruz and Guiwanon in Maribojoc.

The MGB had recommended the declaration of the coast as a geological monument based on its initial survey showing that the area formed “unique geological features” after the quake lifted the land by up to 1.2 meters.