By Madelaine B. Miraflor
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) already gave the environmental clearance to the 320-Hectares Bacoor Reclamation and Development Project, a development that may result in the displacement of about 700 fisherfolk families.
In the copy of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) granted to the project, the DENR acknowledged and approved the planned "land reclamation and horizontal land development" of around 320 hectares worth of outer and inner islands along the coast of Manila Bay in the waters of Bacoor City.
The issuance was made after Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla, the project’s main proponent, already satisfied the requirements of the DENR’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) Review Committee.
“With the issuance of the ECC, you are expected to fully implement the measures presented in the EIS intended to protect and mitigate the project’s predicted adverse impact on community health, welfare and the environment. Environmental considerations shall be incorporated in all phases and aspects of the project,” DENR told Revilla.
The EIS consists of several components that Revilla must take note of including internal road network, drainage system, containment structures, storm surge protection structures and access ways.
DENR also noted that the ECC does not create any right nor shall be used as an authorization to implement the project.