The last time we personally met was at the lobby of UP Cebu for a hastily convened tribute to DILG Jesse Robredo. When we shook hands, you told me that you knew me from my columns. I hope you will have the time to read this column dedicated especially to you, Governor Junjun.
Reports about your support for the continuation of the project affecting Illi Rock in Boljoon and for the cutting of trees in Naga surprised us. We remember you ran on a platform of participative and transparent governance and we know that you are committed to taking care of your constituents, especially the needy ones. Your words: "Cebuanos can look forward to a new provincial government, in which I intend to promote a culture of transparency and accountability. Cebuanos can expect that."
When you gave your support to the Illi Rock Boljoon and Naga tree-cutting projects, you were quoted to have done so because you did not want anyone to be harmed by possible landslide in Boljoon or by a fallen tree in Naga.
Your concern for the safety and protection of people is valid. Those who advocate for a halt to the Boljoon and Naga projects also share this similar concern to protect all.
The tree specialists have confidently shared their findings that the trees of Naga are not sick and will not harm anyone. A few standing trees that have been harmed by human acts can be rehabilitated if the advice of the UP tree specialists will be heeded. If the DENR, DPWH. LGUs, including your administration are truly there to protect our people, then, by now rehabilitative measures should already have been installed. Cutting the healthy trees is NOT the solution nor is the problem that of falling trees.
You worry about those that MAY BE harmed by future landslides and falling trees. What about those, AT PRESENT already harmed by the ongoing project in Boljoon? The fisherfolk have complained that the sea and their livelihood have been harmed by the ongoing project. Together with other residents, they face relocation and displacement for a project they were never consulted about!
What about the countless residents who are AT PRESENT breathing polluted air in Naga? The trees you approved to be cut provide fresh air to counter Naga's highly polluted air. Not to mention the trees' contribution to global warming and many more immeasurable benefits of trees for the present and future residents of Naga and the whole province and the world. The same can be said of Illi Rock in Boljoon – the heritage and pride of Cebu now and in the future. Must the trees and the Illi Rock be sacrificed for the sake of the projects being rushed by certain parties?
Is it too much for you to listen to the request of those who are AT PRESENT already affected daily by the projects? They are campaigning for an immediate halt to the projects in order to proceed with their protected lives supported by the then clear waters of Boljoon and their protection from the trees given the ongoing pollution in Naga. They are asking to stop the projects now so that more can explore better creative and sustainable ways to address the so-called "possible harm from landslide and unhealthy trees" as defined by the proponents of the projects.
The facts about the healthy condition of the Naga trees have been confirmed by the tree specialists. In the case of Boljoon, no landslide expert has been consulted from Phivolcs or from the academe.
In the interest of truth and justice to people and nature, would not your own father – former Chief Justice HIlario Davide Jr – counsel you to side with the established truth rather than unconfirmed, non-expert views?
Would not your scientist uncle, Magsaysay awardee, Dr. Romulo Davide, also remind you that sustainable development is best for Cebu, for the present as well as for the future generations, especially for the disadvantaged food producers?
Your political predecessors allowed countless hills and mountains to be leveled and quarried and water resources to be contaminated and harmed. Where is your promise about responsible, participative, transparent and accountable governance please?
Why are these projects being rushed without genuine public consultation? Why have participative, sustainable, creative, win-win initiatives not been explored?
Your constituents in Boljoon and in Naga and the rest of Cebu, not the LGU officials, not the DPWH or DENR, are asking for immediate halt of the projects to explore sustainable measures for the benefits of people and nature for the present and future generations.
Is that request to temporarily and immediately halt these projects too much for you to grant, Governor Junjun?
Please listen to your constituents who are affected adversely NOW, please do not listen only to those the DENR, DPWH, and local officials and their unfounded, unverified fears of people being harmed in the future. If all necessary safety nets are installed by your office and these LGU officials and these regional government agencies now, as advised by the specialists, then you will nobly honor your commitment to protect your constituents as you promised, in a transparent, accountable manner.
Thank you, Governor Junjun. Hoping you will reconsider your signature and support of these projects.