Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed a comprehensive inspection of Bacolod’s coastline following concerns raised by fisherfolk and urban poor organizations on the environmental impact of ongoing man-made developments along coastal areas.
The initiative was discussed during a dialogue between the city government, the Bacolod Against Reclamation Movement (BARM), and representatives of the urban poor, held at the City Mayor’s Office Oct. 21.
Alberto Bucado, chairman of BARM-Bacolod, shared that reclamation and restoration activities along the Purok Sibucao shoreline have allegedly worsened flooding, and affected fish harvest since operations began two years ago.
These concerns come in light of previous proposals to reclaim approximately 1,000 hectares of coastal land sprawling from barangays Banago, 1, and 2, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.
Gasataya said that the city will conduct an on-site inspection, not only in Banago but also in the coastlines of barangays Pahanocoy and Sum-ag, to assess the full environmental and social impact of these developments.
Fisherfolk groups have also reported the continued construction at the mouth of the Sum-ag River despite a recent court ruling finding an engineer guilty of environmental violations related to resort development in the area.
“It feels like a thorn has been removed from our chest after the mayor took the time to listen to our concerns,” Bucado said in a city press release.
Apart from coastal concerns, urban poor groups expressed apprehension over possible displacement of thousands of informal settlers in 10 identified public lands, following the city’s move to apply for land patents through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Berlita Ante, secretary-general of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) Negros, wanted an amendment to the existing memorandum of agreement between the city government and the DENR, to safeguard the rights of residents.
Gasataya, in response, announced plans to establish a tripartite agreement between and among the city government, homeowners’ organizations, and the DENR to ensure that no dwellers will be displaced in the course of land ownership processing.
He also tasked Bacolod Housing Authority head Ma. Victoria Parrenas to coordinate closely with concerned parties to develop fair and sustainable solutions for all affected communities.
“We are fortunate to have sat down with the mayor, and we look forward to seeing the realization of what we have planned and discussed,” said Ante as she expressed optimism over the Gasataya administration’s commitment to the urban poor sector.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to social equity, the mayor vowed to assist lot awardees in the city’s relocation sites by proposing an amendment to City Ordinance 1040, or the Homelot Ordinance, to extend the payment deadline for awarded lots by three to five years.
“I can’t do it all at once or within a month, but I want to be honest with you — this is the direction we’re taking, and this is what we have agreed upon,” Gasataya stressed. “Along the way, there may be misunderstandings during implementation, but communication is key. I want you to clearly understand my direction when it comes to public lands and the work that needs to be done.”
The mayor also said he intends to initiate a dialogue with law enforcement agencies to address issues of alleged red-tagging involving members of progressive organizations in Bacolod.
He also plans to coordinate with the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Slaughterhouse to explore the proposed salary increase for workers of the AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse in Barangay Handumanan, through possible adjustments in slaughter fees, as recommended by the workers’ union. ||
