THE controversial reclamation work being undertaken by 888 Dagupan Properties, Inc. along Calmay River on one side of the De Venecia highway in Dagupan has finally been called to a halt after the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) recently cancelled the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) issued to the company.

The EMB also issued a cease and desist order against the firm for reclaiming portions of the Calmay River.

EMB Regional Director Joel Salvador said the cancellation comes after the company was proven to have engaged in reclamation work and not just backfilling operations.

Salvador explained that the ECCs issued to owners of lands along the new De Venecia Expressway extension were for backfilling only of “abandoned fishponds”, which have been certified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The reclamation of waterways or submerged areas is prohibited and Salvador pointed out that “only government through the Philippine Reclamation Authority can reclaim such areas subject to conditions.”

Salvador further clarified that the ECC is just one of the requirements for undertaking a project as builders also need to comply with land conversion policies and other impositions by the local government.

Meanwhile, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Leduina Co has clarified that her office is not in charge of issuing permits such as ECCs.

“I have no hand in the issuance of permits,” said Co during the Engkwentro Forum of the Pangasinan Press Club last week.

There have been recent reports that ECCs were being issued for a price.

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