THERE will be no extension on the November 30 deadline set by the Dagupan City government for the dismantling of all illegal fishpens and other structures in the city’s rivers.

“November 30 is the deadliest deadline. I will do the dismantling myself, if they still remain in the river after the November 30 deadline,” said Mayor Benjamin Lim.

Lim issued the statement to belie unofficial reports, some allegedly coming from one city hall staff, that the dismantling operation could take up to February next year.

“In fact 70% of all the fish pens have already been removed from our rivers and only 30% are still out there ready for dismantling,” the mayor said

By January, the city plans to start dredging the rivers with help from the provincial government’s Task Force Kalikasan, which has been cleaning up rivers around the province.

Lim likewise dismissed reports that he has been showing favors to his closest allies engaged in fish farming.

“It is not true and it is not fair to say that I am giving favors to some people. Yung mga kalaban ko sa politika lamang ang nagsasabi niyan. In fact, those whom I know were my first targets,” said Lim.

A barangay chairperson, one of the mayor’s known close ally, reportedly still maintains her illegal fishpen at the Calmay River.

DAMAGE DONE

Nonetheless, Braganza said Alaminos City is hurt by the damage on their tourism industry.

“The fishpond controversy which the provincial government itself irresponsibly and exaggeratedly ‘exposed’ has accomplished nothing but only stalled the fast-growing tourism industry of Alaminos City, which Alaminians have nurtured together with their sweat, blood and tears,” the mayor said.

Braganza also said he still would like First District Rep. Jesus “Boying Celeste and Gov. Amado Espino Jr. to make good their call for a congressional and Sangguniang Panlalawigan inquiries as this will further clear the city government’s name and counter the bad publicity that has been generated.

At the same time, the city mayor reiterated his invitation to the governor, the congressman and representatives of all the concerned agencies to come to the HINP so that they can see for themselves how the combined efforts of the local government and the community have turned the dying Hundred Islands into an ecologically vibrant area.

All these, he noted, significantly increased the city’s revenues, generated more jobs, and brought numerous recognitions to the city through different awards, including several from the provincial government itself.

“We count so much in the Hundred Islands, that is why we cannot let any illegality to happen in Alaminos,” Braganza said.—LM

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