THE FOLLOWING is the response of Hezekiah Kit Sales Canlas, a 1st year law student at the University of Bohol (UB) College of Law during the Environmental Forum: Preserving our Environment Heritage for Sustainable Coastal Development, organized by Tagbilaran Bay Watch at UB Gymnasium, Tagbilaran City on November 29, 2023.
“I would like to thank Tagbilaran Baywatch and UB for teaming up and putting together this forum. We also wish to thank our distinguished panelists for coming here and sharing your expertise.
“Lately, a series of public consultations were conducted by the city government, after more than two years since the proposal was received–on March 31, 2021. The populace has finally been given an avenue to directly express their sentiments regarding the proposed reclamation project.
“But I think this may be the first time that a forum has been held in the academe with a strong showing of young students in the audience.
“We students, although coming from various parts of the Island and the Archipelago, still, are a part of Tagbilaran City’s civil society. We contribute to and benefit from this city. We all have a stake here. We have a voice in this conversation.
“The principles of good governance compel government to be transparent to its stakeholders. This is a P12-billion Public-Private Partnership project involving a total of 153.029 hectares of waterfront development along the coastal areas of Mansasa, Poblacion Uno and Dos, Cogon, Booy, and Taloto.
“Sounds great on paper, but as we discussed the socio-environmental impacts of this humongous project in this forum today, it’s not. This would upend decades of livelihood and flora and fauna and culture along the coast. That’s why, in my personal view, a conversation about this huge project should have been initiated by government at the earliest opportunity, not two years after.
“Basically, we have come to understand today that this development project may not be an apt celebration of Bohol’s diverse, environmental, earth heritage.
“We acknowledge the statement of the city government to discontinue the project. But I respectfully dissent the point that the issue has now become moot and academic. Just like how Malacañang or Philippine Congress can change or amend its positions on key national issues, local decisions may also change in the future.
“Only time will tell. This is why we are at this forum today.
“Atty. Grizelda Anda, in her presentation said local government units (LGUs) are the frontliners of environmental protection. They have the legal obligation to implement existing environmental laws. We couldn’t agree more. There should be no doubt at all concerning the role of the LGU in environmental conservation and protection.
“Meanwhile, Dr. Aileen Maypa explained the process that effectively stopped the 174-hectare reclamation project in Dumaguete City, aptly captured via #NoTo174Dumaguete. This entire process can be used by Boholanos and Tagbilaranons as a guide for future actions.
“Dr. Filipina Sotto, on the other hand, said reclamations cause permanent irreversible damage to the environment because they destroy marine ecosystems. This has always been emphasized in forums and interviews, and we should heed the counsel of experts.
“Hence, the need for continued vigilance on the part of the public: vigilance on public policy and corporate interests.
“Vigilance on environmental protection is what my college, the UB College of Law, strives for. UB Law is a member of the Green Legal Clinics Consortium.
“In this forum, I’m proud to announce that UB College of Law, led by our dean, Atty. Greg Austral, has launched Pañera Tarsila. It is an Environmental Advocacy Page of the UB College of Law. Coming from the successes of Pañero Tarsi, Tarsila’s brother page, we felt the need to embark on a specialized advocacy focused on environmental law and protection. Hence, the birth of Pañera Tarsila.
“Finally, to end, should there be any fear from my fellow students to speak out about protecting environmental heritage in Tagbilaran or even in your respective hometowns in Bohol and across the Philippines, the Supreme Court of the Philippines, in its celebrated environmental case of Oposa vs. Factoran, where it sided with kids who have sued lumber companies for deforestation, has legally recognized that young people, even minors, kids, have the power to be stewards of the environment.
“May we all be comforted by the knowledge of our common inter-generational responsibility to nurture a livable and breathable nation.”
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The writer hosts Woman Talk with Belinda Sales at 91.1 Balita FM Tagbilaran City every Saturday, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. She can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
