WILL IT DISAPPEAR? A view of Dumaguete City’s popular Boulevard, which will be affected by the proposed 174-hectare
reclamation project —PHOTO COURTESY OF KENZO LAXINA
DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – A private developer is bent on undertaking the 174-hectare reclamation project in this city despite opposition from various groups who raised its devastating impact on the marine environment and the coastal communities that rely on fishing for food and livelihood.
EM Cuerpo Inc. told the city council in a letter last week that there would no longer be turning back on the project which would offer not only the needed infrastructure but also “jobs and livelihood, income through taxes and fees, a strengthened tourism industry, and a workforce who don’t need to seek overseas employment.”
Councilor Agustin Miguel Perdices lamented that EM Cuerpo’s letter contained only general ideas.
“We asked for numbers, we asked for figures, (but) all we got were sentences,” he said.
Perdices’ sentiment was shared by other councilors who then passed a resolution inviting EM Cuerpo to appear in their regular session on September 8.
In its letter, EM Cuerpo said it was financially capable of undertaking the P23 billion project despite its lack of experience on reclamation projects.
The company earlier entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Poly Changda Engineering Co., a China government-backed reclamation firm, to subcontract the project in Dumaguete.
They assured stakeholders of Dumaguete that “no tremendous damage would be caused to the environment and the livelihood of fishermen.”
“On the contrary, [the source of food and livelihood] will be supplemented greatly by the jobs and business opportunities the project will generate,” EM Cuerpo said.
The contractor, however, did not specify the technology that would be used for the reclamation nor did they show the detailed mitigation plans.
EM Cuerpo said their project in Dumaguete would infuse an initial investment of more than P23 billion, more than 40 times the city’s annual internal revenue allotment.
After the reclamation is completed, the contractor said new businesses in tourism, trading, technology, shipping, energy development, and education will come in.
The government stands to receive 51 percent share of the reclaimed land, and 25 percent of the net income from the businesses generated there.
The contractor, on one hand, will own 49 percent of the reclaimed land and earn 75 percent from the net income of businesses developed in the area.
EM Cuerpo denied the possibility of assigning ownership of 49 percent of the reclaimed land to Poly Changda, as payment for its reclamation services.
They also denied the possibility of establishing a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the reclaimed area.
POGOs refer to mostly Chinese firms operating online gambling services in the Philippines for markets abroad.
EM Cuerpo clarified that the 25 percent share from the net income is “not earmarked for the maintenance of such facilities” but could be used for other projects like education, infrastructure, health care, and livelihood.
“The multiplier effect of real estate development is generally tenfold, which means this will result in P230 billion worth of businesses flowing into Dumaguete. The wave of investments and funds will give the people immense opportunities to get well-paying jobs, start businesses, and keep their families together, instead of going abroad as overseas Filipino workers,” it said.
“Ultimately, it’s not about dollars and cents, nor is it about business but about being able to improve the lives of the people,” it added.