The local group organized as the force dedicated to the opposition of the plan for a waterfront reclamation project has become more vigilant and has been constantly monitoring the progress of the project.
A source who has knowledge of the activities of the group said that documents related to the proposed project of the Tagbilaran Waterfront Development Corporation are being collected at this time.
The source added that the documents and other data collected will be incorporated in a position paper which will serve as the springboard for more actions including protest marches and a series of activities to gather signatures of residents who oppose the reclamation idea in a petition.
While the city officials say that the proposal for reclamation has a long way to go, the members of a local group, together with like-minded individuals, are wary of possible stealthy moves where the proposal could get headway and get approved.
For this reason, the local group members intend to show up in all related hearings and fora to air their side and manifest their opposition to the project.
Another possibility floated by the local group is to commission a study of the marine ecosystem in the identified areas to determine whether or not there could be irreversible impact on the environment.
It can be remembered that a marine biologist, Dr. Corazon Banluta-Batoy, initially said that any artificial infrastructure done at sea might cause a serious harm to the ecosystem. She added that the impact of any artificial infrastructure will surface years after and perhaps deprive the next generation of a rich marine ecosystem.
The marine biologist suggested that it is best to find out the impact of the reclamation. As such, this is the position of Cong. Edgar Chatto who expressed his outlook on reclamation projects. He batted for a decision on the reclamation that is based on science and facts.
During his time as governor, Chatto opposed the reclamation of the waters off Panglao town after finding out the irreversible damage it will cause. As such, he suggested that a study should be made to determine if there could be lasting damage or none.
A member of the local group said that a key institution dedicated to the protection of marine ecosystems warned about the release of an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) as it may signal the end of the struggle.
A representative of an institution said, those who are opposing the reclamation should be vigilant and should prevent the issuance of an ECC. Once an ECC will be issued to the reclamation proponents then the proponents of the reclamation obtain an upper hand.
At this point, the local group is busy letting other sectors know of the project by improving awareness about its negative impact. The local group is also identifying the other sectors who will be taking up certain responsibilities and contribute to the common goal, which is to stop the implementation of the reclamation project.
BACKGROUND
It can be remembered that more than a month ago, a consortium of five companies, presented the proposal for a 153-hectare waterfront reclamation project off the coast of Tagbilaran City.
The consortium, which includes the companies of Lucio Lim Jr. and Ding Borja, seeks to build an artificial island off the coast of Tagbilaran City that will contain mixed-use buildings and other proerties. In a way, the reclamation will provide more available spaces for commercial and business establishments to flourish in Tagbilaran City.
The concept of additional land for business development is being explored even if there are other areas in the province, near Tagbilaran City, which are yet to be developed, according to the oppositors.
There are several areas in nearby Corella, Cortes, Balilihan, Baclayon or Albur, that are waiting to be explored and developed, thus negating the real need to have an artificial island.
Furthermore, there is a huge property in the middle of the city–which could be used for development—the old Tagbilaran airport, observers say.
The proponents are willing to spend almost P12 billion just to develop an artificial island, which has the potential to cause environmental damage as it is an artificial structure placed at sea.
Nonetheless, former Mayor John Geesnell Yap II said people of Tagbilaran City should stay vigilant and study the proposal carefully as this is a project that will greatly impact the next generation of Boholanos.
At this point, the city government has not released its final decision on the project as it would also take the approval from President Marcos Jr. for the project to push through.
