Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap has received a letter of gratitude from the Bishop of
Tagbilaran, Alberto S. Uy, for her decision to reject the proposed reclamation project
by the Tagbilaran Waterfront Development Corporation.
In the letter, Bishop Uy expressed his admiration for Mayor Yap’s “unwavering
commitment to the well-being of our beloved city and its cherished inhabitants.”
He said that the mayor’s decision to heed the “impassioned voices of our
constituents” and to stand against the reclamation project was a “profound
demonstration of leadership and compassion.”
The reclamation project, which aimed to create a 365-hectare artificial island off the
coast of Tagbilaran City, was met with strong opposition from various sectors,
including environmental groups, civil society organizations, and local residents.
They argued that the project would cause irreversible damage to the marine
ecosystem, displace coastal communities, and threaten the city’s cultural heritage.
Mayor Yap, who initially supported the project, announced her change of stance in a
press conference last Friday.
She said that she listened to the concerns and aspirations of the people and realized
that the project was not in line with the city’s vision of sustainable development.
“I have decided to decline the advancement of the reclamation project, as I believe
that it is not worth the risk of losing our precious natural resources and our unique
identity as a city,” Mayor Yap said. “I value the voice of the people, and I will always
act in their best interests.”
Bishop Uy praised Mayor Yap for her “extraordinary depth of leadership, wisdom,
and compassion.”
He said that the mayor’s decision “echoes a profound understanding of the delicate
balance between progress and preservation, recognizing that sustainable
development should never come at the cost of irreparable harm to our natural
surroundings and the irreplaceable ecosystems that sustain us.”
He also thanked the mayor for her “steadfast commitment to listening to the
collective voice of our citizens and acting in their best interests.”
Uy said that the mayor’s leadership “sets a shining example for all who seek to serve
their communities with integrity and empathy.”
Bishop Uy concluded his letter by extending his heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Yap and
expressing his hope that her example would inspire others to work together to build a
brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
The letter was posted on the official Facebook page of the Diocese of Tagbilaran,
where it received thousands of likes, shares, and comments from netizens who also
expressed their appreciation and support for Mayor Yap and Bishop Uy.