Cordova reclamation sends Gwen, 6 officials to Ombud

Ecology activists and fisherfolk yesterday filed a complaint before the Visayas Ombudsman against Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and five other government officials for the ongoing Cordova Reclamation Project in Mactan island.

They accused the officials of failing to protect the environment and the people’s livelihood, alleging that the project destroys seagrass, mangroves, fish habitats and marine resources.

Also named respondents in the administrative and and criminal complaint were Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Jumao-as, Regional Director Ananias Villacorta of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Director Fernado Quililan of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) 7 and EMB employee William Cunado.

An initial 10 hectares is being reclaimed for a port and amenities in Cordova. This is reportedly part of a 152-hectare project that includes a 120-hectare “mini-Boracay” or artificial beach.

The petitioners led by environmental lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos said the respondents violated provisions of four laws and the Constitution itself—the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010, the Local Government Code, Anti-Red Tape Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713).

Ramos said the 1987 Constitution mandates the State “to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

However, some government officials ignored this when they approved the reclamation of foreshore land in Cordova town, she said.

“Our unique natural resources are facing extinction, no thanks to the dismal enforcement and lack of political will by state agencies and officials to implement our world-class laws,” said the petition.

“They are partners in undertaking the ecologically damaging project to the grave detriment of our life, health, and environment.”

In a press conference, Vince Cinches, 350.0rg country coordinator, said the Cordova Reclamation Project would affect local tourism in Mactan Island as well as Cebu province.

“Much of the fish supply consumed in Cebu come from Cordova,” he said.

Cerilo Bagobo, a 51-year-old fisherman in Cordova, said the project endangers their livelihood as it blocks ready access to the sea.

“Dako kaayo og impact. Asa naman mi managat? Mawagtangan mig panginabuhian (This has a very big impact. Where shall we go fishing? We’ll lose our means of livelihood),” Bagobo told reporters.

Before the reclamation project started, local fishermen harvested 15 to 20 kilos of fish. The fish catch went down to just four kilos when the project began, the complaint said.

“Our subsistence fisherfolk dread the day when they can no longer fish as substantial areas of sea grass, corals, and mangroves are already dissipated because of the reclamation,” the complainants said.

“They have to bring their banca several hundreds of meters away from their usual place of storage.”

Ramos said the reclamation project also lacks approval by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).

Secretary Robredo was impleaded in the case in behalf of President Benigno Aquino III.

The president, through the DILG secretary, has direct supervision over provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities.

Complainants in the case include Mary Joan Dulhao, Owen Migraso, Gerlie Pogoy Migraso, Victor Lapaz, Cirilo Pagobo, Ediq Quijano, and Alejandro Baguio.