Consolacion shipyards told to move out

CEBU, Philippines — At least seven shipyard companies operating in the town of Consolacion have been asked to relocate operations to the northern part of Cebu.

This as the local government of Consolacion expressed concern that the location where the shipyard companies are nestling is designated as a tourism zone by the municipal council and that continued operation may have a consequence because of concerns raised on the compliance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the LGU.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, during a meeting with Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, and the representatives of the seven firms said the Capitol is willing to help and “come up with an amicable solution rather than go to court.”

According to Sugbo News, the Capitol’s news arm, four companies have committed to move and transfer to the northern towns and cities like Bogo and Tabogon while the other one is still exploring other options.

Garcia has given the other shipyard companies at least six months to show their willingness to move out from Consolacion.

Both Tabogon Mayor Francis Salimbangon and Bogo City Mayor Carlo Jose Martinez welcomed the possibility of these companies to relocate in their respective towns.

Salimbangon said relocating these companies to Tabogon will help their town, offering the coastal barangays of Alang-Alang and Maslog as possible areas of relocation.

For Bogo, Martinez has offered the companies to be transferred to the industrial zone near the Brgy. Pulang Bato port.

Consolacion is implementing its developmental plan in the area concerned particularly the 235-hectare reclamation project in the coastal area in Barangay Tayud featuring mixed-use commercial, industrial, and tourism hub in the town, which is planned to be implemented under a public-private partnership. —

 (FREEMAN)