Fisherfolk groups back Cordova reclamation
Two leaders of fisherfolk groups in Cordova town voiced their support for the ongoing 10-hectare reclamation project yesterday.
In a press conference, Yolando Escavas, former president of the Camolinas Fisherfolks Association, said the reclamation helps address the problem of foul odor coming from the mud in the seashore.
Escavas, 72, said he and 500 fishermen go out to sea in the neighboring islands of Caubian and Bohol province and rarely fish in the waters of Cordova town.
“We’re not against the 10-hectare reclamation but we’re against total reclamation,” said Escavas.
Desy Tajanlangit, president of the Cordova Alliance of People’s Organization (CAPO), echoed this.
He said their fishing in Cordova town is seasonal and most of the time they fish in the neighboring islands.
Escavas said the reclamation project for the roll-‘n’-roll-off port would bring more jobs for Cordova residents.
The 10-hectare reclamation for a port and amenities, is part of a larger 132-hectare reclamation plan which includes as 120-hectare “mini-Boracay” or artificial beach.
No approval was given by the Philippine Reclamation Authority but Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy insists that none is needed since this is an infrastructure project of the Cebu provincial government under its powers in the Local Government Code.
Ecology advocates led by the Philippine Earth Justice Center of Cebu lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramoa has called for a “moratorium” on reclamation projects because of irreparable damage to the marine ecosystem which makes the area not only lose fish, sea grass, mangroves and tidal flats but contributes to pollution, flooding and reduced resilience of Cebu to climate change.
Escavas yesterday said more businesses may crop up and more tourists may visit their town once the ro-ro port project is complete.
Ecology activist Vince Cinches repeated the call to stop reclamation work.
Cinches said among the marine life to be affected are the bakasi” or saltwater eel, which is a local culinary delicacy. Cordova town is known for its Bakasi Festival.
But Mayor Sitoy said “bakasi” is not found at the seashore of barangay Camolinas based on what he was told by the fishermen.
“I know our place, they didn’t know. I even consulted the people before implementing the reclamation,” Sitoy said.
Sitoy echoed the Provincial Legal Office’s belief that the Cordova reclamation project has legal basis in the Local Government Code.
Acting Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla wrote to Peter Anthony Abaya, PRA manager, to say the Cordova reclamation project is funded by the Capitol.
Sitoy also denied that the reclaimed area covers a mangroove site. He said fisherfolk only planted some propagules there provided by a non-government organization (NGO).
Sitoy said the reclamation project is only 10 hectares and won’t displace fishermen.
He said he didn’t know Allan Mangubat and Victor Lapaz, two fishermen in Cordova who voiced fears in earlier interview that they would be displaced by the project.
