Bulacan gov't not consulted about proposed ecozone, says governor

The provincial government of Bulacan was not consulted in the proposed establishment of a 2,500-hectare economic zone, Governor Daniel Fernando told senators at a hearing on Monday.

"The establishment of the Bulacan Ecozone, to be managed by the Bulacan Airport City and Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, is a welcome idea although I am afraid that this was crafted without the consultation with the provincial government," Fernando said in hearing by the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs.

"Wala pa po kaming project proposal na natatanggap, wala pa kaming feasibility report na natatanggap. Kailangan maghanda rin ang ibang LGUs (local government units) natin like the Bocaue, Guiguinto, Marilao," he added.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved on third reading the bill establishing the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone And Freeport, principally authored by Bulacan Representative Jonathan Sy-Alvarado.

Fernando said that the creation of an economic zone will require a bigger land area and would definitely affect the landscape in the province.

A consultation among local government units is needed so that they may accordingly adjust their comprehensive land use plan (CLUP) to the requirements of the ecozone, he said.

"The LGUs are not yet ready with this large project in terms of land use, road infrastructure, transportation and communication. We recognize the need for the updating of the CLUPs," Fernando said.

"Saan ilalagay ang aming fisherfolks? Oo, bibigyan ng trabaho sa loob but hindi naman nila forte 'yan. Although maganda po ang pananaw ng ating kaibigang si [San Miguel Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer] Ramon Ang na gawing seafood capital ang Bulacan. Kung gagawin po 'yang seafood capital, kinakailangan ayusin natin saan natin ilalagay ang ating fishermen, ang ating mga namamalaisdaan," he added.

San Miguel Holdings Corp. operations head Edgar Doña said the company has been consulting with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and other stakeholders in Bulacan for the ecozone project.

"We are in the process of seeking approval of the ECC and along with that, we have been consulting also with stakeholders and representatives from the province," he said.

Nonetheless, the company committed to coordinate well with the provincial government regarding its concerns.

"We did not mean, in any way, to put you aside in this endeavor because definitely we will be needing your support po. We are very willing to give you the necessary studies and the plans will definitely be consulted with you," SMC's government relations unit head Melissa Encanto-Tagarda said.

The proposed Bulacan Ecozone shall cover the proposed New Manila International Airport, the Airport City to be developed adjacent to the airport, and lands adjacent to the Airport City. —KBK, GMA News