Bacolod fisherfolk oppose ‘dev’t project’ in Sum-ag

BACOLOD City – The fisherfolk community in Barangay Sum-ag here is opposing a “development project” being done at Sum-ag River.

“There is an ongoing beach resort project at the entrance of Sum-ag River,” said punong barangay Rodney Carmona in his letter (dated May 19) addressed to Environment secretary Roy Cimatu.

The development is utilizing “about three hectares” of mangrove areas on the adjacent location of Purok Mabinuligon II of Barangay Sum-ag and part of Purok Punta Balas, Barangay Pahanocoy here, he added.

Carmona attached to his letter a petition from the barangay’s fisherfolk association denouncing the said development project. The documents were also accompanied with photos which showed the “encroachment” of the river.

The village chief is calling for immediate action.

Carmona said the barangay council conducted an ocular inspection on May 19, and it was found that said developer constructed a mini wharf at the entrance of Sum-ag River using concrete boulder materials which made the entrance narrow and is “clearly dangerous”.

It became a navigational hazard for incoming and outgoing fishing vessel utilizing Sum-ag River as docking area, he added.

Further, the project cut full grown mangroves. The barangay also has not issued any permit.

It would greatly affect the living conditions of residents of Mabinuligon II and nearby areas, according to Carmona. The development would also “deprive” growth of fishes on their breeding grounds.

“We believe that encroachment of the entrance of Sum-ag River and illegal cutting of full grown mangroves are gross violation of environmental laws under your office,” Carmona claimed./PN

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