Archdiocese starts dialogue on Cordova reclamation

THE Archdiocese of Cebu initiated a dialogue yesterday with groups opposing the controversial Cordova reclamation project.

Cordova parish priest Rev. Alvin Lao represented  Archbishop Jose Palma in  the closed-door meeting at his residence in D. Jakosalem Street.

Lao,  however, did not issue a public statement afterward.

Representatives of groups opposed to the project  told Cebu Daily News that Lao told them he met with other priests to consult them on the archdiocese’s  action on the reclamation project.

“The fisherfolk raised their concerns to the priest because they believe that the church can influence the government,” said Owen Migraso of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. (Fidec).

“Our livelihood will be affected because the mangroves, fish and other coastal and fishery resources will be destroyed by the reclamation project,” said Cirilo PagoboCirilo Pagobo, chairman of the Panaghugpong sa Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Timog Amihanan.

The parties were invited to a dialogue by Archbishop Palma in an April 10 letter to discuss the Cordova project.

“I need your help in responding to this social concern,” Palma said in his letter addressed to the “clergy, men and women religious, laity and concerned Institutions and organizations.”

Ecology  lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos discussed  legal objections to the project and alleged violations  by Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy in pursuing it.
Pagobo  talked about  how fisherfolk leaders opposing the 10-hectare project were being harassed.

Pagobo said  he and  two other fisherfolk leaders Eddie Quijano and Alejandro Baguio were no longer staying at home and had to live in a safe house.

Pagodo  said the threats continue as loved ones report to him about how they notice unidentifed men shadowing his house.

The fisherfolk along with Estenzo-Ramos and Fidec last month  filed complaints  before the Visayas Ombudsman against Sitoy, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and regional officials of the Environment Bureau for violation of environmental laws.

Fisherman Jerry Nacion said  the tricycle he was driving was impounded by Cordova police when he joined the rally against the project last March 27.

PO2 Dennis Camunay of Cordova police station  said  the tricycle was confiscated for lack of a mayors permit and  registration.

Last month, Pagobo’s group filed twice before the courts petitions for a writ of Amparo and issuance of a temporary protection order over alleged  acts of harassment by the mayor.

However, these were dismissed for lack of evidence.