METROPOST


JULY 18 - JULY 24, 2021 11 STATEMENT....FROM P. 9


associated species such as tuna, mackerel, jackfish, and snapper, while catches with little to no market value are kept for local consumption. The proposed reclamation project will certainly halt gleaning activities, and indirectly force fishers of Dumaguete City to concentrate their efforts on pelagic fisheries offshore, thereby increasing competition for an already- overfished resource. Moreover, a reduction of 174 hectares of gleaning and fishing grounds will result in vulnerability of the local population to food insecurity. Short/Long term impacts The effects of this project


extends beyond just the final product of skyscrapers with a monopoly of the sea view. The highly-intensive


construction phase itself will have short-term disturbance and displacement effects to the marine environment and the coastal communities.


Concern over a ‘smart city’ Dear Mayor Remollo,


impact of the proposed “Smart City Island” reclamation project of Dumaguete. We join with the members of the Catholic Church,


scientists, environmental groups, and representatives of government agencies who signed the open letter of opposition by Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes on July 13, 2021.


The transport of infilling material from the source to the site, as well as its establishment on site will disrupt daytime activities nearby, especially the coastal homeowners who will bear the brunt of these activities.


said to generate jobs such as construction work, of which 60 percent is allotted to locals. We agree that it is always better to have more job opportunities. However, the timeline of three years for the reclamation project suggests that these opportunities are designed as short-term jobs only. Whereas, a marine protected area can provide resources that locals can benefit from indefinitely. A “smart city” needs smart solutions, not short-term ones. The long-term effects post-


reclamation is an even more pressing concern. Various analyses of reclamation projects across the globe have noted the continuous deterioration of the ecological environment after the project is completed.


The reclamation phase is


The project would create massive human and environmental impact on the coast of Dumaguete which is teeming with marine life, coral reefs, and sea grass that provide livelihoods to Dumaguete’s community of fisherfolk. The project is scheduled to be 174 hectares, larger than nearby Apo Island, an area that scientists have warned will be buried with massive amounts of sand and gravel with its ecosystems irreversibly destroyed. In their place will be shopping malls, a yacht club, retirement villas, and high- rise commercial buildings. More than half of the reclaimed area will go to the private sector, raising questions about who will actually benefit. We applaud the efforts by the youth of Dumaguete who have mobilized opposition to the project, garnering over 10,000 Dumaguete citizens to sign the petition opposing the project and which was presented to you. The youth understand the impact of the project on their own, and that of their children’s future. As fellow Paulinians and members of the SPUDAANA, we remind ourselves that we are stewards in protecting and preserving the earth (the natural habitats of its flora and fauna, its ecosystem), which was only lent to us. We also ask ourselves the moral question: What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, the children who are now growing up?


We hope that you would listen to your constituents, majority of whom do not approve of this development, the very same Dumaguetenos who voted for you to represent them and to work for their benefit and the future of their children.


Board of Directors: Suzette de Mira Foroozan, Marlene Portillo Rocamora, Lilibeth Flores Leda, Herminia Flores, Rosemila Cipres Jaucian, Gloria Flores Millare, Linda Acupanda McGloin, Rebecca Sison Reyes, Tim McGloin


St. Paul University Dumaguete Alumni Association- North America


of 1000s of kilometers; thus, a reclamation project of this magnitude could block dispersal of fish larvae, and prevent them from populating coral reefs popular for SCUBA diving.


The alteration of the coastline is projected to change sediment bed dynamics, and water flow potentially impinging on the connectivity of the near-shore ecosystems, and changing the beaches nearby. At certain times of the year,


Silliman Beach is noted to change its shape because of the movement of sand caused by the reclamation of the airport runway, disrupting coastal long-shore currents. Silliman Beach would be effectively sandwiched between the airport runway reclamation and the new reclamation project, which can potentially become a site of erosion or accretion of sand.


likely cause a decline in coastal seawater quality. Sewerage and drainage are already a problem in the City, and have not been addressed for the longest time.


facilities on this artificial piece of land will prove to be an additional problem in the long-term. The construction of the commercial and industrial infrastructure on the reclaimed land will likely continue beyond the three-year timeline, and this must be considered as well. The major changes to


Sewerage and drainage Moreover, this will also


We call on the executive and legislative officials of Dumaguete City to reconsider, reassess, and repeal its decision to enter into a Joint Venture Agreement to reclaim 174 hectares of coastal shoreline and municipal waters, without genuine consultations with the general public and local scientific experts.


Similarly, movement of migrating adults and newly- emerged hatchlings of sea turtles may be impeded. Call to action


City leaders take all measures to ensure that a thorough and proper Environmental Impact Assessment is undertaken prior to any reclamation activities.


Development is always a good thing. But unsustainable development, as blatantly shown by this proposed project, is not.


We further appeal that our


Dumaguete and beyond. While we concede that


no coastal development on


environmental protection is also undesirable, there must always be a balance between economic development and environmental preservation. In this situation, it is clear


that there were zero thoughts given to the environment. We did a simple overlay of the marine habitats along Dumaguete’s coast with that of the proposed reclamation showing the magnitude of the destruction. Many Dumagueteños rely on that beautiful stretch of beach along Escaño road for their daily sustenance. Many more rely on the spillover of fishes from the City’s four marine-protected areas.


Dumaguete’s coastal features will also have a significant effect on migrating wildlife such as sea turtles, and on marine life that rely on larval dispersal, such as fishes and corals.


implications on sightings of the Philippines’ lone blue whale, ‘Bughaw’.


This should be cause for concern for adjacent municipalities that rely on coastal tourism activities. Larval dispersal of fishes, for instance, are in the ordinates


Additionally, it poses grave


This proposition clearly ignores and undervalues the ecosystem services provided by Dumaguete’s coastal and nearshore environment. While we are aware that these services are often ignored, perhaps because it is outside the economic market and is naturally-uncertain, local scientists have been trying to bridge the gap for decades by evaluating and monitoring these ecosystems. Their research work on the ground directly benefits a s igni f i c ant


component of Dumaguete’s community which this project clearly ignores: the fisherfolks and coastal communities. This project is solely focused on the aesthetic and economic value of a piece of land, built over this marginalized community’s source of livelihood that they have forgotten the reason for doing so -- which is to improve the lives of every single constituent member of


s e c to r and


services will be gone, in favor of economic benefits that are likely to be short-lived. Fr om th e ma p we generated, it is clear that this reclamation project sets up generations of Dumagueteños for a lifetime of ecocide. We request the proponents to take a step back, and remember the reasons why they are in the position that they are in now.


their decisions, and think about their neighbors, their community.


We ask them to reevaluate


We call on them to consider environmental and social sustainability, as much as economic sustainability. Our City is at the forefront of scientific research and social development. We have excellent leaders who have rallied for effective and secure development that has made the City what it is today. We beg the same leaders to align their future development plans with the City’s economic and environmental long-term plans, and avoid disastrous and unsustainable reclamation projects like this one. We condemn this business-


centered reclamation under the guise of development. We believe that you will do the right thing.


All of these free ecosystem the sole basis of S We are deeply troubled by the environmental and social


PEOPLES CORNER


A call for a better Dumaguete Project 174.


omeone asked me if I am against a progressive city because of my stand on


The question actually surprised me. I thought about it, and concluded that for some people, protesting against Project 174 is being regressive. But no, I’m not saying that


progress is bad. Progressive development is indeed very welcome in Dumaguete. But like all other good things in this world, development comes with a cost. In this reclamation project, the cost is the irreversible destruction of our marine ecosystem and even more.


Ah, environment. Since when have you become an advocate of the environment? Well, I am not, and I don’t pretend to be one, but that doesn’t stop me from believing in the cause of those who are. But how will we know if the


don’t I want a progressive City? Of course, I do. In fact, I’m ecstatic at the idea of Dumaguete progressing. But let me tell you something. Fixing broken roads is also progress. Solving the drainage and garbage problems is also progress. Sticking with the original City master plan is also progress. Developing other parts of the City is also progress. And we are all up for it. The list could go on, but the point is clear. Progress is not limited to the 174-hectare reclamation project.


discussion. The recent issue has been


causing so much diversity that it has led some to resort to ad hominem attacks. Humans as we are, we are all emotional beings. But we don’t have to become a slave to our own emotions.


These are my sentiments. If you feel and think otherwise, I’m sure you have your reasons as well. I am not claiming that I am right.


I am instead writing what I believe is right.


project will succeed if we don’t give it a try? At the outset, this may seem a valid question, but we also have to consider the risks involved.


risking, and this is one of them. The damage to the environment is permanent and irreversible, that it isn’t even worth the price of trying. So back to the question,


Some things aren’t worth


But I welcome opposing views because I feel it is only by listening to them that I get to understand the bigger picture. Even my brother and I may possibly have a different take on this, but that doesn’t take away my respect for him as a brother.


views as I am not afraid to admit that my understanding of the issues here is not perfect. But let us be careful not to trip over the norm of decent


So I welcome opposing


If we have a choice whether to be decent or not, let us take the path of decency. Sometimes, our views are dictated by the perspective from where we are looking, and it so happens that from my perspective, I have to say no to Project 174.


At the end of the day, I believe that we all want a better Dumaguete. In the midst of the struggles and trials surrounding us, we all just want a better place to thrive and live in. And that includes a better environment not only now but also for the next generations to come. The pandemic has already


caused so much havoc; we should not add more. The protest is not aimed to hate our officials, much less to oppose progress.


The protest is rather a call for a better Dumaguete. And that, my friends, is the very essence of democracy.


Atty. Jason Bandal 174 hectares: Through lens of laws


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The proposed reclamation of 174 hectares along the shorelines of Dumaguete City needs to be evaluated from two essential lenses: relevant laws and professional planning practice.


As they say, “Ignorance of the law excuses no one”. We are not all lawyers yet, we are all required to be aware, and have a full understanding of the law. The 1987 Philippine Constitution states in Art. 1 Declaration of Principles and State Policies and Principles, Sec. 1. “The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.”


Let us start with the law.


Another law that Filipinos need to be aware of is Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 which regulates how government and its instrumental ities and representation engage with the Filipino people. Government operates because we the Filipino people authorize them. Sec. 106 of the Local


different offices of government for translation into programs, projects and activities. The


to realize these PPAs are always short. There are also projects that are needed by the community but are not included in the list. This means that the LDC does not see the projects as a priority.


funds r equi r ed


in the reclaimed island than on the City itself.


Projects that are needed by the community, but do not have the required funds are presented to the private sector for implementation. The Constitution in Sec. 20


declares, “The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.”


(government) and private (business) come together (partnership) in providing the needed community services and infrastructure.


This is where public


Government Code mandates the creation of Local Development Councils. “(a) Each local government unit shall have a comprehensive multi- sectoral development plan to be initiated by its development council and approved by its sanggunian. For this purpose, the development council at the provincial, city, municipal, or barangay level, shall assist the corresponding sanggunian in setting the direction of economic and social development, and coordinating development efforts within its territorial jurisdiction.” The creation of the Local Development Council simply means that all economic and social development plans shall emanate from representatives of the community. This plan shall cover every aspect of community life, and shall come from all sectors of the community.


various sectors recommend needed services and infrastructure. These committees then submit their recommendations to the


Representatives from


The instance of an unsolicited proposal submitted to the government entity is a case of foresight by private business. The private business saw a future need; that will turn into a priority within a finite period of time; should be implemented soonest.


4. Esplanade -- really? Is this a priority of the City now? What need does this satisfy that the boulevard and the different ballfields in the City do not? 5. Marina -- this is not a need. This is more of a luxury. What is the per capita yacht ownership of Dumaguete residents? What are the numbers at the City Planning & Development Office? 6. Modern ferry port -- how would this differ from the current ferry port at the Dumaguete pier that has just undergone rehabilitation? 7. Open space for sports -- what about the many open spaces in the City like the volleyball courts just recently established on reclaimed land along Rizal Boulevard? 8. Hospital -- So the city of


Dumaguete plans to operate a medical facility? Is this a primary, secondary, tertiary kind of hospital? 9. City administration hub


this is simple. Costs are ever increasing, and needs keep rising. Yet, the availability of resources restrict government from providing for that need in the present. So the private sector steps to provide what will be needed in the future, because the cost of doing it now is lower than doing it later.


The reasoning behind


reclamation project is an unsolicited proposal. The nine projects include: 1.5G-ready “Smart Dumaguete” -- which can actually be done without a reclamation project. How about implementing this all over the City, instead of a separate reclaimed island? 2. Coastal wastewater treatment facility -- how about the one in barangay Camanjac which is operational?


The 174-hectare


-- this one, I understand. Many local government offices are currently cramped. But does this really have to be located on reclaimed land?


The enormity of this undertaking requires the participation of the community of Dumaguete. The policy declaration in the Dumaguete PPP Code requires the Mayor and the City Council to consult those who will be directly-affected by the proposal. Have the fisherfolk and property owners near the beach/shore line been consulted? The City Council issuing a


3.Shoreline slope/wave protection -- which is always part of a reclamation project, something that is needed more


resolution of “No Objection” to the project is tantamount to saying that the community allows the project to proceed. Granting the Mayor the authority to apply, in behalf of the City, a letter of Intent with the Philippine Reclamation Authority is tantamount to allowing the project to proceed. The question is – have they carried this constitutional mandate, national requirement, and local conditionality of consulting the community? The law requires consultation!


Patrick Jerome Guasa


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