NEGROS Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson assured the public Wednesday that proper procedure is being observed by the Provincial Government in the realization of the Hinoba-an Industrial Estate, which is still a long process.
Lacson said that the Provincial Board is supporting the project and that the Capitol is listening to the sentiments of those who oppose the project.
The Provincial Board approved Wednesday, March 14, in their regular session the resolution granting authority to the governor to apply for additional Environmental Compliance Certificate and other related clearances from the concerned government agencies for the initial development of the Industrial Estate and to enter into and sign a Foreshore Lease Agreement.
Also for foreshore land intended for the alternative port located at Sitio Dalaguet, Miscellaneous Lease Agreement along the shoreline of Barangay Asia and an application to the concerned government agencies for clearances in the cutting and balling of the mangroves and upland trees affected by the development of the Industrial Estate found at Sitio Salvacion in Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an.
"By approving the request of the governor, it does not mean the project will start already. We don't even have an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)," the vice governor pointed out.
He also said that groups opposing the project can manifest their objection.
"What is important is we can answer their objections and we can convince the DENR that we are not violating any environmental laws," Lacson said.
The SP committee on laws chaired by Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao conducted a public hearing yesterday morning to discuss the matter before the SP approved the resolution.
Green Alert Network-Negros Island and its allied non-government and people's organizations are vehemently opposing the establishment of a ship-recycling facility in Hinobaan town, claiming that 15,000 mangroves will be cut down to pave the way for the project, adding that corals, seagrasses, and the livelihoods of the community will also be affected.
