Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed a comprehensive inspection of Bacolod’s coastline following concerns raised by fisherfolk and urban poor organizations on the environmental impact of ongoing man-made developments along coastal areas.
The initiative was discussed during a dialog between the city government, the Bacolod Against Reclamation Movement (BARM), and representatives of the urban poor held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Tuesday, October 21, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said.
Alberto Bucado, chairman of BARM-Bacolod, said that reclamation and restoration activities along the Purok Sibucao shoreline have allegedly worsened flooding and affected local fish harvests since operations began two years ago.
These concerns come in light of previous proposals to reclaim approximately 1,000 hectares of coastal land sprawling from Barangay Banago, 1 and 2, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.
Gasataya said that the city will conduct an on-site inspection not only in Banago but also in the coastlines of Barangay Pahanocoy and Sum-ag to assess the full environmental and social impact of these developments.
Fisherfolk groups have also reported of the continued construction at the mouth of the Sum-ag River despite a recent court ruling finding an engineer guilty of environmental violations related to resort development in the area.
The urban poor groups also expressed apprehension over possible displacement of thousands of informal settlers in 10 identified public lands, following the city’s move to apply for land patents through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Berlita Ante, secretary-general of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) – Negros, called for the amendment of the existing Memorandum of Agreement between the city government and the DENR to safeguard the rights of current residents.
Gasataya, in response, announced plans to establish a tripartite agreement between the city government, homeowners’ organizations, and the DENR to ensure that no dwellers will be displaced in the course of land ownership processing.
He also tasked Bacolod Housing Authority Head Ma. Victoria Parrenas to coordinate closely with both parties to develop fair and sustainable solutions for all affected communities.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to social equity, Gasataya also vowed to assist lot awardees in the city’s relocation sites by proposing an amendment to City Ordinance No. 1040, or the Homelot Ordinance, to extend the payment deadline for awarded lots by three to five years.
“I can’t do it all at once or within a month, but I want to be honest with you — this is the direction we’re taking, and this is what we have agreed upon,” Gasataya said.
Meanwhile, the mayor also intends to initiate a dialog with law enforcement agencies to address issues of alleged red-tagging involving members of progressive organizations in the city.
He further plans to coordinate with the Committee on slaughterhouse to explore the proposed salary increase for employees at the AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse in Barangay Handumanan, through possible adjustments in slaughter fees as recommended by the workers’ union.*