Shipyard workers hold protest vs Consolacion reclamation project

CEBU, Philippines —  A series of rallies is now being held among shipyard workers opposing the move of Consolacion local government to put up a 234.80-hectare reclamation project with its partner La Consolacion Seafront Development Corporation.

Jose Tomongha, labor leader and one of the speakers, said they will have their fourth rally today with the shipyard workers registering their opposition to the proposed reclamation project.

Tomongha said that more than 3,000 shipyard workers will be affected once the project comes into fruition.

Former urban poor commissioner and one of the rally organizers, Edward Ligas, said these series of rallies participated by the shipyard workers started on Saturday, September 11, and will end on Friday, September 17, 2021.

However, Ligas said that there will still be a series of rallies which will be participated by the other sectors affected by the proposed project which include the residents, fisherfolks and habal-habal drivers dubbed as a “coalition rallies.”

“They want to disprove Vice Mayor Alegado nga gamay ra sila. They were also disappointed that they have not been consulted by the mayor except the shipyard owners,” said Ligas, who is also one of the speakers for this activity.

Aside from the rallies, Ligas added that the workers have started a signature campaign to be sent to President Rodrigo Duterte, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Reclamation Authority to register strong opposition to the project.

“All I could say is ila pud na. I prefer not to say anything that would fuel so much hatred with one another,” said Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado when sought for comments.

The mayor said that it is expected that there will be resistance when it comes to change.

Alegado said that the progress and development that they are embarking on is a dream of the town’s people.

“It is for the greater good and welfare of the majority. We want growth and thus we are doing long term plans. This few opposition may be entitled to their opinion but it doesn’t mean that they are rightful with such,” Alegado said. — GMR (FREEMAN)