Mayor Dave Duallo of Buenavista
Mayor Dave Duallo of Buenavista has refuted allegations of mangrove damage during the construction of a shipyard in the town.
These clarifications were made in response to Senator Raffy Tulfo’s call for an investigation into the alleged mangrove destruction for the shipyard’s construction.
During his guest appearance on the Open Forum, hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta on April 10, 2024, Mayor Duallo addressed these concerns.
He stated that no mangroves were harmed during the construction of the shipyard, contradicting the allegations.
The shipyard, owned by Artemis Marine and Industrial Construction Inc. (AMICI), was inaugurated in November 2023. It is situated on a 19-hectare property in Barangay Cruz.
Mayor Duallo clarified that of the 19 hectares, 14 are alienable and disposable land located near the shore.
He explained that mangroves grow on the shores as they need water, and the areas where mangroves are located are classified as timberland under the law, meaning they cannot be owned.
Mayor Duallo also denied allegations of reclamation during the shipyard’s construction.
He explained that the shipyard owners only constructed a shipway, which involved dredging an open area for vessels to pass through for servicing by the shipyard. This is not considered reclamation.
He added that such dredging and construction of a shipway were approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and are in line with the town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).
Mayor Duallo emphasized that a public consultation was held before the shipyard’s construction as part of the permit requirements.
He stated that he is open to scrutiny from all sectors regarding the shipyard issue and that the shipyard has secured an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Regarding the issue of Captain’s Peak, Mayor Duallo stated that it is not applicable to the shipyard. He mentioned that the law is unclear about which developments are prohibited and which are allowed under the regulations.
He confirmed that the buildings within the resort are permitted, as evidenced by the clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
However, he noted that the resort operated without an ECC, which lists the conditions necessary to preserve the environment during development.