Is reclamation the solution?
It is beyond question that there have been successful reclamation projects in some advanced countries, such as Holland, Denmark, Singapore, Japan, and the UAE, to name some. But there are also problematic projects like the sinking Kansai International Airport in Japan, which was considered an engineering miracle but is still no match for Mother Nature.
Why do we have to alter the course of nature by embarking on ambitious projects like reclamation?
For sure, the question calls for an endless debate.
The proponents may argue that reclamation allows the creation of valuable land. But the opposition is quick to point out that our LGUs tasked to develop Comprehensive Land Use Plans(CLUPs)must first settle the nagging issues in adopting a comprehensive land use plan before talking about reclamation. After all, in many provinces in the Philippines, the real problem is not the lack of valuable land for specific projects but poor land use planning.
Misaligned plans among government agencies often hinder CLUP formulation, not to mention the highly politicized process of land use planning and classification.
The outcome of this unsolved problem is evident in many LGUs where concrete buildings are sprouting in supposedly “no-build” zones or lands classified as agricultural but used for residential or commercial purposes. Worst, we even have resorts built on timberland.
A large portion of our lands is reserved for agriculture, but it is sad to note that we rely on importation for our staple food. Every time a strong typhoon hits any part of the country, many casualties come from the danger zones or areas where no residential buildings are supposed to be constructed.
Countries that implement reclamation to sustain human development have problems with space to accommodate their growing population and business needs.
We still have so many undeveloped areas for agriculture, housing, manufacturing, and other businesses in the Philippines. The real problem here lies in the lack of a comprehensive land use plan and weak implementation by the different government agencies tasked to implement the law.
Is it the right solution to dump the sea with heavy rocks, clay, and soil? Maybe, all we need to do is serious land use planning and leave vested interests behind in its implementation.