Port project gets no DENR clearance

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has returned the application for area clearance for the reclamation component of a proposed internationaal seaport in Sangat, San Fernando.

In a letter dated Sept. 17, 2018 addressed to port developer Ruben Feliciano, DENR-7 Regional Director Gilbert Gonzales said the application documents failed to comply with the recommendations of the Land Management Bureau.

A memorandum dated June 8, 2018 was issued by DENR Undersecretary for Filed Operations Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna wherein the processing of Feliciano’s application was suspended until compliance of recommendations of the LMB Acting Director.

“With the aforementioned directive, please be informed that this Office can no longer proceed with the processing of your application until compliance of the recommendations of the LMB Acting Director,” read Gonzales’ letter.

The recommendations include the submission of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) approved by the director of the Environmental Management Bureau in compliance with the DENR Manual of Authorities on Technical Matters since the project is a major reclamation project;  evaluation and concurrence of the Biodiversity Management Bureau on the project considering that the subject area is near the shoreline vegetated with mangroves and other associated species; settlement of issues with the fishermen in the concerned barangay and the issuance of Executive Order No. 5 series of 2018 of the Municipal Mayor of San Fernando suspending any construction, development and reclamation projects in the coastline of Barangay Sangat due to said complaints of fishermen; and coordination, consultation or partnership with the Local Government Unit or Philippine Reclamation Authority to initiate the project pursuant to the Rules and Regulations Governing the Issuance of Permit Over Reclamation Projects and Special Patents Over Reclaimed Lands.

Feliciano aims to build a multi-million international port at Barangay Sangat.

San Fernando Mayor Lakambini Reluya earlier said Feliciano and his firm implemented the port project even if the developer lacks some documentary requirements.

She said that Feliciano’s firm has started dredging and reclamation works despite the lack of a permit from the PRA.

The mayor issued an executive order to stop the project after finding out that his company is not the same company that had applied for a clearance from the municipal government a few years back.

Feliciano’s firm was originally named Sangat Bay Development Corp. but this was changed after a conflict with his previous partners, Melekon Contractors Inc. (FREEMAN)