EDITORIAL
Is reclamation the solution?
Serious land use planning is the key
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, considered an engineering miracle but 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. While proponents may argue
that reclamation allows the creation of valuable land, oppositors are quick to point out
that our LGUs which are 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 issue
is not the lack of valuable land for certain projects but poor land use planning.
Often, CLUP formulation is hindered by misaligned plans among government
agencies, 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.
Many of our lands are 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 of the casualties come from the danger zones or from areas where no
residential buildings are supposed to be constructed.
Countries that implement reclamation to sustain human development have real
problems with space to accommodate their growing population and business needs.
In the Philippines, we still have many undeveloped areas for agriculture, housing,
manufacturing, and other businesses. 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 some serious land use planning and leaving vested interests
behind. (Note: This Editorial was first published in our November 6, 2022 issue. The
Bohol Tribune started publishing similar news and editorial articles in October 2022.)