The establishment of the road network in the Silay-Patag-Cadiz-Calatrava areas got the full backing of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who said that it will spur development, especially in the hinterlands.
“For as long as we do not violate any environmental laws, I am for it,” said Lacson, clarifying also that the road network development is being undertaken by the national government and not by the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza and environmentalist groups are opposing the establishment of a new road network traversing the Northern Negros Natural Park, which they said, will threaten the ecosystem.
Lacson said the establishment of another road network will also shorten travel time.
“As long as they have an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and comply with other environmental laws, I will support it,” the governor stressed.
The road project stretches 3.7 kilometers and has a budget of P125 million.
Alminaza earlier said that “protected areas are our legacy to the generations to come and to humanity”.
The road project in question is considered an Environmentally Critical Project that requires the conduct of an Environment Impact Assessment, including public consultations among stakeholders, the bishop said./GB
