But no permanent structures allowed: Ping: No build-zone policy ‘impractical’

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism-oriented businesses and structures necessary for livelihood and commercial purposes can still be established on ‘No Dwelling Zones’.

This was made clear by the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson during the signing of rehabilitation and recovery plans of the Yolanda-stricken provinces in the country.

Lacson said that the no build-zone policy is ‘impractical’.

After super typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in some areas in the Visayas, the government implemented no-build zones and prohibited the mounting of structures within 40 meters from the coastline.

Lacson pointed out that the fishing industries or tourism-oriented businesses still need to build structures at the coastal areas declared as unsafe or susceptible to high risks when a calamity strikes.

“I cannot imagine the beach resorts being built hundred meters away from the coastline. So binago na yon because we found it downright impractical. So di na talaga sinunod ‘yon, ‘yong within 40 meters na hindi pwede magtayo ng maski anong structure. Pati mga fisherfolks natin kailangan ng fish landing,” Lacson told reporters.

He earlier explained that in order to determine the areas as ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ where no-build zone policy is being considered, the mapping of all areas which include the determining of the particular risks is required. If the area is considered as unsafe, the local government units would pass an appropriate ordinance with respect to land use.

He, however, made it clear that permanent and residential structures are prohibited. He added that when there is impending typhoon, people in the no dwelling zones would be subjected to an emergency evacuation.

“Ang importante lang ay walang permanent houses doon at naka-ready ‘yong evacuation center kung sakaling may warning na merong bagyong darating.”

He further recommended that structures can still be built in areas categorized as ‘controlled’ zones but mitigating measures should be applied.

“Halimbawa kung controlled zone pwedeng i-build ‘yong bahay, pwedeng lagyan ng mangrove, seawall, or kaya’y beach forest,” he explained.

Lacson with some Cabinet members signed on Friday afternoon the rehabilitation plans of the provinces of Cebu, Samar, Leyte, and the City of Tacloban.—/FPL (FREEMAN)