SANS ECC AND MASTER PLAN

GOV. Ramon Guico III questioned the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) construction of a seawall without an Environmental Compliance Certificate in an environmentally protected area in Lingayen-Binmaley coastline covered by a presidential proclamation.

Presidential Decree 156 series of 1993 signed by then President Fidel Ramos declared the Lingayen Gulf as environmentally critical area.

At the public hearing conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last Thursday, Sept. 14, Guico’s concern was confirmed by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Raymond Rivera.

The governor said that it is not only his desire to correct the agencies involved in not following processes but also to hear the opinion of the people since funding is from the taxpayers money.

“Ako ang stand ko dito ay sana ma-preserve yung beach, ma-preserve yung view,” Guico said. “Ako, gusto ko ng beach. I’m a beach lover,” he added.

Vice Gov. Mark Lambino said they conducted the public hearing because the sanggunian received a letter-complaint opposing the project.

For his part, PENRO Rivera said on Wednesday, the regional directors of DPWH and DENR agreed to temporarily stop the project.

However, the barangay captains of Maniboc, Poblacion, Pangapisan North and Libsong East in Lingayen who were present during the hearing said they are in favor of the project when the governor asked for their categorical answer.

Mayor Pedro Merrera III who joined the ranks of oppositors, decried the absence of public consultation before the project implementation.

In a separate interview after the public hearing, the governor said he is “supportive of any development projects as long as they are properly planned and  areacceptable to the people”. And he said the DPWH will have to comply with the law.

Asked further if he will file complaints against the DPWH, Guico replied, “No, no, they’re friends also. Everybody’s our friends here. Ang point ko lang is gawin nyo lang nang tama.”

He said he is not aware about the masterplan of the project thus he was asking documents and expressed dismay that top officials of the DPWH were absent during the public hearing and sent only their representatives.

The fishermen have expressed strong opposition to the 0.920 kilometer-long bank protection seawall and PVC sheet pile that will cost the government P1.4-billion.

Pamphlet were distributed during the hearing that explain the benefits of the project, mainly to avoid erosion and flooding caused by strong waves.  (Eva Visperas)

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