In the interest of preserving the environment in the area of Las Piñas and Paranaque and its surrounding area, I believe that supporting the call of Sen. Cynthia Villar in recalling the reclamation project in the area is a must. It is also noteworthy to say, that the Villars also need to do their own due diligence in reflecting on the current state of the LPPCHEA.
The environmental compliance certificate (ECC) issued to the 320-hectare Bacoor reclamation project in Cavite lacks merit in considering the effects of this project on the environment. Reclamation most of the time will cause irreparable damage to the environment including the destruction of wildlife and flooding.
It is also questionable as to how the project got an ECC when in fact it has a high environmental hazard. William Cunado, EMB officer-in-charge, should be asked as to the merits of granting a go signal to this destructive project.
Villar, who chairs the Senate committee on environment, said the project threatens to destroy protected areas and trigger massive flooding in communities surrounding Manila Bay.
“The reclamation project will potentially cause irreparable damage to the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. The project will be building on the buffer zone of this protected area and will destroy the landscape in which the wetland now thrives,” Villar said.
We would also like to cite, the seeming ignorance of the local EMB on the law which protects the said area. Under Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (E-NIPAS Act), the 175-hectare Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park is a declared protected area.
An Intriguing Predicament
LPPCHEA or the Las Piñas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area are actually composed of 3 islands – Long Island which is the Las Piñas area, Maria — the sunken island and freedom island – which belongs to Paranaque.
It is intriguing that the Las Piñas area has no mangroves anymore. Most of it has allegedly been replaced by trees courtesy of the Villars. According to a fellow Green Party Member, they had it developed into something like they own the place. It is also alleged that you cant even go there without having to ask permission from them when in fact, permission should be from DENR.
Let us all continue to be vigilant and stand up to protect areas that are safe havens serving to protect our own lives. These protected areas are there so that the environment can be protected and in return, that same environment can protect us.
Disclaimer: The blog article does not necessarily reflect an official statement from the party.
Reference: PhilStar Global
