Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Fisherfolks oppose port construction in Siaton By Edmund B. Sestoso
A GROUP of fisherfolks expressed strong objection to the construction of a private port facility in Siaton town, claiming it will jeopardize their existing livelihood and economic activity.
The Siit Fishermen's Association in a petition sent to the Municipal Council and other government agencies said they oppose the ongoing construction of the private port in the town allegedly owned by Rizaldy Lampajpo as they were not basically consulted or was there a public hearing conducted.
Association president Ernita Elloren, vice president Maximino Tapang, and officials Richard Abrasaldo, Mery Verances, Melycia Nabwa, Paulina Verbosidad, and Alfredo Siason signed the petition.
The local legislators, upon receiving the complaint of the fisherfolks, said they would in turn send the same to the office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Division at the Provincial Capitol for an immediate investigation on the issue.
Petitioners explained that the private port workers endanger the corals, as big rocks and soil taken from the quarry operation were dumped into the body of water.
The port has a height of 60 meters, they said.
The fisherfolks said since Siit Bay is their only source of livelihood in the area and that it must be protected at all cost.
The fisherfolks also said they furnished copies of their petition to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) manager Noeme Calderon.
According to them, Calderon had made an ocular inspection and investigation on the part of the port agency.
Calderon also ordered Lampajo to immediately stop all activities to avoid penalties, pending the complaints of the fisherfolks.
Calderon said the PPA does not tolerate the construction of private port facilities, which have not complied with Administrative Order No. 06-95, or the Liberalized Regulation of Private Ports Construction, Development and Operation.
