Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental residents complain of beach ramp construction

CEBU, Philippines -  At least 300 residents of the coastal barangay of Lutoban in Zamboanguita town of  Negros Oriental have complained against the construction of a beach ramp, which they claimed as illegal for alleged lack of any permit from the Philippine Ports Authority.

The complainants, headed by their spokesperson Ariel Elloren, wrote Loreto Rivac of the Environment Management Bureau-Region 7 to look into the operation of  the beach ramp owned by a certain Bluegen Lampajo. They also lodged a protest at the DENR and urge Mayor Kit Marc Adanza to address their concerns.

The ramp was allegedly used in the hauling of sand and other quarry materials for delivery to Bohol, but the petitioners claimed that such activity will eventually destroy the environment, especially the mangroves in the area, as well as the fishing industry because it was built near a fish sanctuary.

Upon initial investigation, Philippine Ports Authority  acting manager Sarah Mijares said the beach ramp construction has no permit or any certification from her office, therefore, illegal. She said that, as a result, a formal notice of violation will be issued against the owners pending approval of their application and for them to pay the fines.

Reports had it that Lampajo allegedly bought 1,000 cubic meters of sand from Roberto Quingco, a legal permittee operating in Si-it, Siaton with a transport permit issued by the Environment and Natural Resources Division-Negros Oriental, headed by Mercy Teves.

Loading of  more or less 100 truckloads of sand to a landing craft tank (LCT), which was docked at the questioned beach ramp, was being done from Sunday until morning on Monday (July 16), according to the ENRD logbook.  (FREEMAN)