iskup2015 posted: " Reclamation project in Consolacion opposed By Nidz Godino "I am hopeful and I continue to pray…all for God's greater glory…all for the greater good," Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado said when asked on how optimistic he is that this proj"
"I am hopeful and I continue to pray…all for God's greater glory…all for the greater good," Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado said when asked on how optimistic he is that this project will proceed despite opposition.
Around 200 fisherfolk who are members of Barangay Tayud Fisherfolk Organization have manifested their opposition to the multi-billion reclamation project in Consolacion town in Cebu province.
The move came after shipyard operators first raised their objection to the project.
Fisherfolk association president Annabella Pomento, in a statement, said they call on government to stop the project as this would only destroy their livelihood.
She said municipal government did not even provide plan on how they can get jobs after the project.
She further said that most of fisherfolk have lived in the area for more than 20 years and that municipal government does not even have proposed plan on how they can be relocated.
At least 25 percent of the 25,000 population in Barangay Tayud reportedly rely on the shipyard for their living.
For Consolacion Mayor Alegado, once proposed Seafront City Reclamation Project is completed, there will be more people who will benefit from it saying "mas naa na silay mga job opportunities when the reclamation will start."
Alegado said municipal government has been talking with some of the town's fisherfolk on this matter but said he does not know of any existing confederated "Tayud Fisherfolk Organization."
"I do not know any confederated existing…there are several groups though and we have talked to them…conversations between them are continuing and planning is ongoing together," the mayor said.
He added that they have about 25 fisherfolk in Sitio Bagakay where the reclamation will be located.
"We have offered them deep sea-fishing and communal fishpond operations…they can as well work in the reclamation project itself if ever they want to," the mayor said adding that "not all fisherfolk will be affected."
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 regional director Allan Poquita, said in case of livelihood lost, they usually gave livelihood assistance, provided fishing gear or even gave fishing boats to those who are affected or displaced.
Alegado estimated P20 billion reclamation project will start within the year.
Vice Mayor Teresa Alegado earlier said that his son, Mayor Alegado, and the Philippine Reclamation Authority have already signed memorandum of understanding and anytime notice to proceed will follow after some other requisites are accomplished.
The vice mayor said Seaport City Reclamation Project is public-private partnership project for mixed commercial, industrial, institutional, and tourism development of which the town needs for its economic growth and to complement to rapid migration due to overflow of Mandaue City, Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City.
The former town mayor said this project could provide greater opportunities for every one looking for domestic jobs as the developer envisions this project as a landmark for Cebu as an integrated urban center.
It can be recalled that five shipyard operators asked the court last week to issue an ex-parte 72-hour temporary restraining order, a 20-day TRO, and a writ of preliminary injunction, and,or status quo ante order, after the municipal government did not issue business permits to their respective businesses which ended last June 30, 2021.
The five petitioners are the Philippine Grid Construction Corporation, Fortune Shipworks, Inc., Nagasaka Shipyard Inc., PKS Shipping Company Inc., and Uni-Orient Pearl Ventures Inc., who warned of a "destruction and chaos" may erupt in the shipyard industry should the municipal government of Consolacion succeeds in its plan to close their business in favor of the said project.
During the hearing, Regional Trial Court Branch 83 Presiding Judge Allan Francisco Garciano ruled "to maintain status quo prior to the controversy" that is, for the petitioners to continue their business operations in the area until the main case for certiorari shall have been decided by the court.
While the application for the issuance of a 20-day TRO and writ of preliminary injunction is deemed withdrawn.
According to the shipyard owners, closure of the shipyard would mean termination of 302 employees, 539 contractors' employees, termination of numerous ship repair and dry docking contracts, absence of repair facilities for the continuing maintenance of Philippine Navy ships, non-usage of infrastructure built over the past 60 years and the crippling if not destruction of the local and national shipyard industry.
Meanwhile, Commission on Audit (COA) has asked Consolacion town in Cebu to submit proof that eligible beneficiaries received COVID-19 relief assistance worth P80.8 million.
In its audit report, COA noted that distribution of rice, goods, medical supplies and other items as relief assistance in response to COVID-19 pandemic from April to September 2020 cannot be validated due to the absence of proof of receipt by the beneficiaries.
Verification of the transaction disclosed that the municipal government procured rice, goods, personal protective equipment and medical supplies for distribution totaling P80.8 million as relief assistance to different barangays, frontliners, municipal employees and households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
COA said list of recipients and beneficiaries was not among the supporting documents submitted to the audit team.
"In the absence of the list of beneficiaries, the validation on whether the relief assistance was actually distributed to the intended recipients could not be made by the audit team," read the audit report.
COA has recommended that concerned offices submit the proof of receipt for the relief aid.
The local government unit reportedly has already submitted the said proof of receipt as well as the monthly reports on summary of supplies and materials issued (RSMI), and requisition and issue slip (RIS) of the goods and the list of the number of recipients per barangays on their distribution for food packs.
The LGU said remaining relief and essential goods had been distributed also to the persons under monitoring (PUMs) and it has also submitted the list of PUMs and their food distribution to them.
COA said submitted documents by the LGU are still subject for review.
COA also noted procurement of several medical supplies and equipment through emergency procurement under Bayanihan Act were purchased at a higher price and with an excess of P382,225 when compared with the price freeze rates on essential emergency medicines and devices issued by the Department of Health.
The LGU has already submitted a written justification and explanation to COA.
It also has submitted price quotations from three suppliers indicating brand name and specifications thereby showing that these purchases underwent market scanning and market study.
WordPress.com
No comments:
Post a Comment