Probe Batangas bay reclamation, DENR asked

An organization of fisherfolk in Calatagan, Batangas asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) yesterday to investigate an alleged illegal reclamation project in Pagaspas Bay, a marine reserve area.

The 6,000-member Samahan ng mga Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Calatagan (Sammaca), said the project is allegedly being bankrolled by a certain Ricky Moreno, a businessman reportedly identified with the late Gen. Fabian Ver.

Pagaspas Bay is a 29.3-square-kilometer protected marine sanctuary, according to a 1999 marine resource survey. It is home to coral reefs and mangroves and is a rich breeding ground for lapu-lapu, maya-maya and talakitok and other fish species. Endangered species like the pawikan also thrive in the area.

Marine biologist Selina Stoute, who is helping the fisherfolk’s group, said the dredging endangers the bay’s fragile ecosystem.

"Dredging activities increase water turbidity — a phenomenon that destroys coral reefs and mangroves," said the Australian marine biologist.

Lawyers Francisco Joaquin III and Hubert Guevarra, Sammaca counsels, said Moreno has a pending environmental clearance certificate from the DENR’s regional office even if he allegedly has yet to secure an environmental impact statement (IES).

They said the project is being carried out in violation of the 1998 Philippine Fisheries Code, which requires both an EIS and an ECC.

They told the weekly Cypress forum at the Tree House restaurant in Quezon City that the Pagaspas Bay, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1098, has been declared a tourist zone and a marine reserve under the administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

The Calatagan municipal council also passed an ordinance in 1992 declaring the bay and the municipal waters as a marine reservation area.

The Sammaca counsels said local government officials and regional DENR authorities have turned a deaf ear to the case.