SAN JOSE, Antique – Antique governor Rhodoro Cadiao is seeking the issuance of a stoppage order against the construction of the Funda-Dalipe esplanade seawall and road project which has “already destroyed marine turtle nesting sites and threatens the Marine Protection Area (MPA) buffer zone.”
Cadiao urged the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in a letter sent to their regional offices in Iloilo City to “immediately take the necessary measures, such as the issuance of a Cease and Desist Order or Work Suspension Order” against the “ecologically destructive” project.
Project contractor JE Tico Construction Co. is constructing an esplanade along the coastline of Funda-Dalipe, reportedly a well-documented pawikan nesting site. Local environmentalists have petitioned the same agencies to stop the project because of its dangerous effects on the area’s ecosystem.
Civic organizations Dihon sa ‘ra ya Institute, Inc. and Amlig Antique Alliance also sought the help of Cadiao because continued inaction “risks irreversible harm to Antique’s biodiversity and livelihoods of Funda-Dalipe fisherfolks.”
The published project cost is almost P100 million. The Antique provincial board passed a resolution last year seeking a stop to the project but construction nonetheless proceeded reportedly because it was greenlighted by the DPWH regional office.
Cadiao strongly advised EMB and DPWH to act “today, not tomorrow.” She added that action must be done “before the time comes for accountability, with a very strong reminder that the hours seem to run fast in this regard.”
DPWH-6 defends esplanade
DPWH Region 6 dismissed as “baseless” the allegations raised by environmental groups that its ongoing esplanade construction project has damaged marine turtle nesting sites and encroached on protected coastal zones.
Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel said all legal and environmental compliance requirements, including environmental clearances and public consultations, were completed before the project broke ground.
“We already complied with everything that was asked — the plans, the records of public consultations, and even the documentation requested by Atty. [Rolly] Pedrina,” said Oropel, referring to the head of one of the complainant organizations.
He clarified that the area identified as a turtle nesting site was specifically pointed out by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during consultations and was deliberately left untouched.
“That section was excluded from development. We left it vacant, exactly as identified by the DENR,” Oropel emphasized.
Oropel further questioned the timing of the opposition, pointing out that the esplanade project has been underway for the past eight years.
“Why only now? This project has long been in motion and followed due process,” he said.
He added that construction will continue unless the DENR itself issues an official stoppage order.
“We are not stopping. We have not received any such order, and we’ve already addressed the concerns raised.”
Oropel appealed to local residents and advocacy groups to consider the potential benefits of the project in boosting tourism and strengthening coastal defenses.
“I hope Antiqueños will give this project a chance. It has the potential to protect lives and livelihoods along the coast,” he said.
Efforts by Panay News to get a statement from EMB Region 6 director Atty. Ramar Pascua were unsuccessful as he was reportedly on leave until May 8./PN
