[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’Villarin meets with local groups in NegOcc ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY MAE SINGUAY
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=’18’ font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BACOLOD City – Rep. Tomasito “Tom” Villarin (Akbayan Partylist) on Thursday met with some civil society organizations in Negros Occidental.
Villarin said one of the issues raised during the consultative meeting was the proposed $300-million ship recycling facility in Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.
The planned conversion of agricultural lands in the village into industrial lands was condemned by various groups under the Save Hinoba-an Movement in the province.
The movement earlier said the proposed conversion will affect many farmers and fisherflok residing in the area.
The project will also threaten the marine biodiversity near the area, the movement said.
Villarin said the proposal would bring development to the province but there must be a “win-win situation.”
He said environmental concerns and issues on resettlement must not be set aside.
Villarin suggested that there must be a proper consultation among affected residents and other stakeholders.
“It should not be approached purely on legal and technical side dahil we understand that there are issues related sa lupa,” added Villarin. “I think the proper approach here is to really hear out the people in the area. Kasi parang nauna ‘yong karitela sa kabayo.”
Villarin has been visiting some areas in the country to conduct consultative meetings since the Congress is in a session break until Nov. 20./PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
