from the bohol chronicle
Proposals of two business groups to undertake a major reclamation project in Panglao Island comes under the scrutiny of provincial lawmakers who vowed the plan will have to go through the "eye of the needle".
Meanwhile, 87 percent of Boholanos do not approve the offshore reclamation in a random radio survey over dyRD's top-rated "Radyo Merkado" yesterday.
Majority of the respondents said
it becomes very impractical to reclaim what is naturally part of the sea when there remains a vast idle lot in Panglao as well as in the other coastal towns here."The environmental impact should not be sacrificed simply because we want progress," a respondent stressed as he vowed to tap environmental groups to mount a strong protest against the proposed gigantic reclamation project.
The proponents proposed for a joint venture agreement with the provincial government, where the latter would be rewarded over P400 million, as equity in the multi-billion undertaking.
The project would see the reclamation of Panglao Bay to build five islands and gain a 600-hectare stretch of a new coastal tourism hub with hotels and resorts, entertainment, leisure, activity and residential areas.
"Our developer will not come in if there are controversies or environmental ramifications of the scheme," according to the proponents.
He said that the group is tapping the expertise of world-renowned master planner WATG which specializes in environmental and sustainable designs.
"The Panglao reclamation project will definitely be a model in environmental management despite fears that this will have adverse impact on marine biodiversity in the area," the group explained
The group is strictly following a process before presenting their proposal to the local government unit of Panglao and apply for a permit at the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
He added that going through the SP is a step towards forging a joint venture agreement with the provincial government.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23530.0