MANILA, Philippines - Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel Aguilar yesterday said the local government will preserve the 175-hectare Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat Eco-tourism Area in Manila Bay once the reclamation project pushes through.
Aguilar clarified that the wetland is not part of the reclamation project as insisted by Sen. Cynthia Villar.
The wetland will be preserved, improved and developed as eco-tourism site, he added.
“I don’t know why Sen. Villar, who happens to be my sister, is opposing the project when in fact, it could spur economic development and provide employment for thousands of residents. As mayor, I won’t allow the project to jeopardize the welfare and safety of my constituents, more so, to cause flooding and damage the environment,†Aguilar said.
He said project contractor Alltech has been issued environmental compliance certificate by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources after complying with the requirements.
The mayor said the reclamation project will give additional income for the city.