The development of a boardwalk in Tagbuane area going to Santa Fe beach, remains in limbo as the proponents are still in the process of completing the requirements.
This is the revelation of Alburquerque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates over a radio interview during the Open Forum program on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020.
“Sa pagkakaron, kana sila (proponents) nag secure pa sila sa ilang papeles kay kuwangan mana sila ug papel. Unya wala pa pod mi mosunod sa lungsod gawas niadtong nitawag ko sa DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) niadtong mga June siguro to mao tong gipaundang sila,” Buates said in the interview about the project.
When asked about who the project proponents are in the same interview, Buates revealed that the owner of the development project is the Belian Hotel group.
It was earlier reported, (not in The Bohol Tribune) that the project has received a go-signal from the DENR.
The mayor clarified that it is the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) that gave an approval for the project.
The project proponents are yet to submit the revised site development plan and such has not been submitted yet, hence, the project is still on hold. The mayor also said that the an earlier site development plan submitted had to be returned for corrections as the local government unit noticed that there are existing homes that are going to be affected and these homes are situated on a lot which is not anymore part of the project proponent’s property.
Reports said that the proposed Albur Mangrove Forest Boardwalk covers around 10,000 square meters of centuries-old mangroves in barangay Santa Fe.
In the same interview, Buates said he fully supports the project as it will bring development to his town. He has been assured that the project will not pose any impact to the environment.
He also admitted that some Albur residents of Albur (who are not from the area, have raised objections against the project. He further stated, that there have been allegations that the project might cause harm to the mangrove plantation in the area.
“Ako, 10 years na ko nga nagpuyo sa Tagbuane. Mao na ang agi-anan namo kon moadto sa Santa Fe beach,” the mayor said. He added that the people living the area are the most knowledgeable about the impact of the project on the environment. In fact, according to the mayor, the residents of the area pose no objection about the project.
Buates also revealed that the project was endorsed by the Technical Working Group of barangay Santa Fe. He, likewise, assures everyone that the Santa Fe beach will remain in the public domain.
He added that there is no major site development unfolding in the area as of the moment. He also said that the project has the potential of creating job opportunities and revenues from tourism activities that may spring given the fact that the project is a tourism attraction that will be built in the town.
Albur boardwalk proj. remains in limbo
