BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 has voiced its gratitude to Mayor Jerry Treñas for allowing the resumption of the construction of the P400-million seawall project spanning the shorelines of Barangays Rizal Pala-Pala and Tanza.
In his letter dated July 9, Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, DPWH-6 regional director, thanked Treñas for granting their request to continue the construction of the seawall upon submission of all requirements and clearances from the Philippine Reclamation Authority, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), among other national government agencies.
“In his regard, the undersigned would like to personally express his gratitude for the ceaseless support extended by the Honorable Mayor and Honorable Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon for this noble endeavor,” read Oropel’s letter.
“The comprehensive and swift action of the Sangguniang Panlungsod is a testament to Iloilo City’s stellar commitment to public service and the same is only possible under the stewardship of proactive and decisive leaders who are willing and able to exercise their political will,” said Oropel.
City Legal Officer Edgardo Gil earlier issued the cease and desist order against the seawall project for lack of permits from the Philippine Reclamation Authority, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and for disregarding the provisions of the Local Government Code.
In the order, Gil said the DPWH-6 did not conduct a public consultation with any of the concerned barangays before the project construction.
The cease and desist order came after the City Council asked DPWH-6 to stop the ongoing construction of the seawall.
The City Council also conducted a hearing on the request of the DPWH-6 to utilize the materials delivered to the construction site of the seawall project.
Councilor Johnny Young, the council’s engineering, construction, and public works committee chairperson, conducted the hearing of the letter request of Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, DPWH-6 regional director, last Thursday.
The DPWH-6 chief had asked the City Council to allow the contractor to resume civil works for 10 days to utilize the materials already delivered to the site “to prevent any further damage to the structure already built.”
The DPWH-6 insists the construction of the P400-million seawall project is a “standalone” project, not within the realm of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
In his letter, Oropel assured Treñas that the trust and confidence afforded by the City Government would not go in vain.
“As previously intimated, this Office is doing its best to expedite the submission of all the necessary documents to resume the project. As a sign of good faith, this office immediately complied with the instruction to submit a certification that there will be no reclamation and that the project only contemplates the construction of four standalone structures,” said Oropel.
The DPWH-6 chief also assured the mayor the project would be completed without delay for the city residents to reap the benefits./PN
