Public scoping held for Lingayen golf project
LINGAYEN—After the controversy sparked by the alleged illegal black sand mining in the eco-tourism zone project of the provincial government, the planned golf course project is finally moving forward.
The first of several requirements needed for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the proposed 18-hole golf course here has been undertaken with the holding of public scoping on March 13 at the Domalandan Center Elementary School.
The public scoping was initiated by the provincial government together with officials of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which will issue the ECC, and Ajanta Consulting and Technical Services, Inc.
The assembly was attended by barangay officials of the four western barangays of Lingayen, namely Sabangan, Estanza, Malimpuec and Capandanan which will be covered by golf course.
Also present were the Korean investors who signified their strong intention to invest in the development of the eco-tourism zone through the establishment of an Aqua City project, including the golf course.
DENR-EMB officials led by Cesar Siador Jr., environment impact assistant division chief of the Central Office, attended the forum.
Greg Palis, president of Ajanta Consulting and Technical Services, Inc., a private firm commissioned by the provincial government to undertake technical and social studies concerning the project, explained that public scoping allows the public to participate in the discussion process for the conceptualization of the “environmental impact report”, which is a prerequisite in applying for an ECC.
Palis said that through public scoping, concerns of the affected communities and all aspects relating to the project are discussed and later included in the studies to be undertaken by his company.
Alvin Bigay, chief of the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (PHUDCC), said Gov. Amado Espino Jr. wants the processes to be transparent, hence, the holding of the public scoping.
The initial phase of the construction of the project was stopped following a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) issued by EMB in the absence of an ECC and due to issues raised by a group of oppositors from Lingayen.
The CDO not only stopped the construction of the golf course but also the separation of magnetite or black sand and pure sand in the area.
CRAB MENTALITY
Lingayen Mayor Ernesto Castaneda, Jr. expressed his full support to the project, calling the initial setbacks to have been caused by people whose minds are clouded with “crab mentality.”
He assured his constituents that the realization of the project will bring progress “not just for the capital town but for the entire province of Pangasinan”.
Barangay Chairman Mario Navarro of Estanza cited the project’s potential for long term employment for his constituents, most of whom are unemployed or have no stable jobs.
On the other hand, Barangay Chairman Hector Fabiana of Sabangan affirmed that all four barangay council heads are united in their full support of the project.
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