ENVIRONMENTAL safeguards are in place, assures Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera over the ambitious plan to reclaim 450 hectares off a sea where environmentalists say is critical to the Bohol marine ecosystem.
The Herrera statement also come a few days before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan green-lighted by authorizing Governor Erico Aumentado to enter into an agreement with project proponents, Oasis Leisure Islands and Development Incorporated. (OLIDI).
In authorizing the governor, the provincial junta under Herrera also nailed a condition that would force the governor to operate only on the narrow principle of the Bohol environmental policy as a guiding principle.
In a press meeting while presenting the SP accomplishments weeks ago, Herrera reiterated the provincial government thrust for economic growth and development while keeping a balance on environment and resource protection and conservation.
The junta authorization would now allow the governor to enter into a joint venture agreement with the project proponents, but the vice governor assured that Bohol’s environment would be a primary concern.
The project, proposed to be a string of themed artificial islets along the south western coasts of Panglao island would make use of the shallow waters as the site for artificial islets created by landfill.
The junta head admitted his nod to the project is also biased on his strong conviction of the governor’s competence and wisdom to balance development and the environment.
Even then, Herrera also told the media that the SP authorization for the governor to enter into an agreement is filled with conditionalities that would assure that the project would not be pushed through if any of the conditions are unmet.
While he did not elaborate on the conditions inserted in the SP authorization, he personally admitted that the Bohol Environment Code, the Bohol Investment Code and the Bohol Tourism Code would be largely be considered as a beacon for the project. (PIA)
PRESS RELEASE
REY ANTHONY CHIU
Philippine Information Agency
Tagbilaran City Information Center
411 2292 / 0920 954 5482 / 501 8554 email: piabohol171@yahoo.com
