No application for reclamation project in Toledo, DENR says

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 confirmed it has not received an application from Toledo City to undertake a reclamation project.

“Wala mi nadawat nga application for reclamation projects from any LGU and private sector. If naa man galing, those are deemed illegal and unauthorized,” said DENR 7 spokesperson Eddie Llamedo.

Llamedo said they will immediately investigate the “unreported and illegal” reclamation project in Toledo.

An investigation team composed of the officers of the Cebu City Community Environment and Natural Resources Office and The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office will lead the probe, he said.

He said a cease and desist order will be issued initially against the LGU once proven it violated the law.

Llamedo said Toledo has to comply with documentary requirements to start a reclamation project validly, including a sketch plan that will determine whether the area that is being applied for is a timberland, alienable, or disposable.

Also, endorsement letters or certifications from the Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, Department of Health, Philippine Ports Authority, National Economic and Development Authority board, Philippine Reclamation Authority and the barangay concerned are needed.

A reclamation project also needs a Provincial Board resolution allowing the same; a clearance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; proof of public consultation; and an approved Environmental Compliance Certificate.

ECC is a document issued by the Environmental Management Bureau certifying that based on the representations of the proponent, the proposed project or undertaking will not cause significant environmental impact.

Apart from these requirements, the permittee is also required to secure an area clearance from DENR.

Based on DENR administrative order 2009-07, anyone implementing reclamation projects needs to secure an area clearance from the DENR Secretary.

The area clearance is only valid for one year and reclamation projects must be implemented within that period. If the permittee fails to implement the clearance within the prescribed year, he or she must secure a new area clearance.

The clearance, signed by the Environment Secretary, would show that the area covered is free and open for a reclamation permit. This is required for the approval of the reclamation permit from the PRA.

DENR-7 Director Dr. Isabelo Montejosaid earlier the reclamation project is highly prohibited without an area clearance.

“No reclamation project shall be undertaken, conducted and implemented unless the area clearance is first secured from the DENR,” he said.

DEFENSE

Toledo Mayor John Henry Osmeña belied reports a new reclamation project is being undertaken in Barangay Dumlog without permits.

He said what is being constructed is a 16-kilometer road project that extends from Barangay Dumlog to Sangi. A total of P216 million was earmarked for the project, which started last year.

In a phone interview, Osmeña admitted, nevertheless, that reclamation projects are among the priorities of his administration.

The Philippine Reclamation Authority earlier reported that the city failed to submit to the body an application for an 11-hectare reclamation project situated along a protected seascape in Barangay Poblacion.

The project also received opposition from conservationists as it would reportedly impact the marine ecosystems in the area negatively. — (FREEMAN)