Boholanos Protest Panglao Reclamation Project
A huge crowd of protestors went to the streets yesterday to drumbeat their strong objection on the controversial proposal to do an off-shore reclamation project in the tourists' haven of Bohol.
By Bohol Chronicle
Some 2000 protesters echoed their voices to firm up their indignation to those behind the project which is a "landmark of environmental destruction" in Panglao.
According to the objectors, the reclamation will destroy an already fragile marine ecosystem and pose serious threats to the biodiversity of the area.
The protesters assemble at the Plaza fronting the Capitiol as some of their leaders took turns in urging provincial officials to reject and recall all plans to reclaim land in Panglao.
The project's opposition has gained support from various groups, including environmental lawyers who vowed to raise the matter to the courts.
Former Panglao mayor Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan said he is optimistic any plans to reclaim Panglao Bay would not push through as this will never get social approval.
Former OIC governor Atty. Victor de la Serna was among those who committed to back the oppositors who have organized themselves as Panglaoanons Against Reclamation (Pare).
Coastal municipalities in Philippine provinces
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Agusan del Norte has urged the officials of the coastal municipalities in the province to implement coastal clean-up, in support to the conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the environment and natural resources as presented in the Philippine Development Plan of the Aquino administration.
Provincial Fishery Officer Ernesto Jamero recently said the province's lone city of Cabadbaran has already included in their city ordinance, directing the Cabadbaranons through the different barangays to implement coastal clean-up monthly.
Jamero added this will not only help in protecting the environment but will also give good health especially to all the people living in the coastal areas.
The BFAR official said all municipal officials should also craft ordinance to enforce costal clean-up regularly.