MikeLigalig.com

Published by the Bohol Chronicle

Former Bukidnon Congressman Nerius "Neric" Acosta, rumored to be groomed as the next DENR Secretary, expressed disbelief and disgust over the grandiose plan for a reclamation project spanning more than 450 hectares off the shores of Panglao.

Appalled by the brazenness of such proposal, Acosta wondered why the beautiful island of Panglao deserves such a destructive fate.

"I have to be frank. Even the thought or concept of reclamation of a rich and beautiful jewel of Panglao is beyond my imagination".
       
Almost speechless, Acosta bared that the reefs of Panglao and the Visayan Sea in general is the epicenter of marine biodiversity of the world.

"The Visayan sea up to the Verde Islands Passage between Mindoro and Batangas is the navel of the richest marine biodiversity in the whole world. We have the bragging rights to this", Acosta proudly said.

Acosta in an interview with DYRD's "Inyong Alagad" painstakingly described the seas off Panglao as rich in corals and marine life, swarming with dolphins and teeming with fishes.
         
"I cannot even imagine why such a concept exists. That is the craziest and most damaging you can do to Bohol's crown jewel".

Admitting that balancing development and the preservation of a fragile environment is a tough act, defining development in terms of money betrays the sinister motives of those behind the proposed reclamation projects.

"Why of all places where we are gifted with the richest marine resources such reclamation projects are being peddled. Are we going to define development solely for money?"

Fisherfolks of the affected barangays dazzled by the glittering dreams of economic upliftment and beguiled by promises of a better life for their children have succumbed to the blandishments of the reclamation proponents that has led to the polarization of their communities.

A war of words has erupted between those favoring the reclamation and a sizable number of residents fearing the possible destruction of their sources of livelihood.

Acosta stressed that it should be "kapanginabuhi-an not kapang-kwartahan, hanap-buhay not hanap-pera.

"Money is just a currency. It is meant to help us so that we can have life and have life abundantly".

Acosta pointed out that God has given us everything we could ever need. He rued the day when we would destroy Panglao for the sake of making it the prime tourist destination.

"What is development? For money? Kan-a ang kwarta ug mabuhi ba ka!" warned Acosta.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) "coastal zone development in the Philippines has been damaging to the marine environment".

Frightening trends of destruction to coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses has been documented together with an alarming increase of reported pitiful catches of fish by fishermen.

But Acosta cautioned fisherfolks not to lose hope but strive to improve the quality of their sources of livelihood which is the sea.

Excavation, dredging and coastal conversion to accommodate coastal development have resulted in corals being extracted for reclamation and construction while mangroves have been reduced to 36% of 1900 level due to the aquaculture industry.

"If tourism is going to be our source of income then it should be based on sustainable development and ecological preservation" said Acosta.

Acosta stressed that 80% of our protein needs come from the sea. To protect, preserve and develop the richness of the environment will spawn more benefits for the community.

"Reclamation projects will destroy the habitat for fish and the only source of protein. Is Bohol ready to exchange the sea for money?" Acosta asked.

Acosta, a Boholano by affinity reminded his fellow Boholanos that "only when the last river has dried, only when the last tree is felled, only when the last fish is poisoned will we realize that we cannot eat money".

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