DENR stops operations of seabed quarry project in Cavite

MANILA, Philippines - Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. ordered the Philippine Reclamation Authority Tuesday to stop its quarrying activities in Rosario and Tanza towns in Cavite, amid protests from local fishermen.   An article on the DENR website (www.denr.gov.ph) said the fishermen claimed the activities damaged their source of livelihood and posed a threat to the marine environment of Manila Bay.   In an order, Atienza asked the government-run PRA to first address five issues brought to DENR by the fisherfolk of Rosario town whose complaint was even endorsed by their mayor, Jose Ricafrente Jr., and vice mayor Jose Rozel Hernandez.   Atienza said that PRA could be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1586, which requires private and public firms to undertake an environmental impact assessment before conducting quarrying activities in a marine habitat like the Manila Bay.   PRA is vested with the power to approve reclamation projects under Executive Order No. 543 and undertake infrastructure and facilities in the reclamation area by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1084.   Initial investigation conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Calabarzon revealed that the shoreline of the coastal barangays of Tanza and Rosario have been severely eroded and that the quarrying activities caused damages to the fishnets of the fisherfolks.   No compensation was received by the affected fisherfolk.   Atienza ordered the PRA "to cease and desist from undertaking any activity and operating its sea bed quarry projects until the above issues and concerns have been acted upon to the satisfaction of all concerned."   He also directed DENR regional officials to enforce the cease-and-desist order, review the environment compliance certificate and check if there was any violation committed.   Atienza said that the "stoppage will be in effect until a dialogue has been conducted by DENR-Calabarzon to allow the proponent to explain".   Municipal Ordinance No 11-95 prohibits the dredging, excavation, hauling of sand within 15 kilometers at the Manila Bay, from the shoreline of the Municipality of Tanza Cavite. The ordinance was approved on October 25, 2008.   Aside from those three issues, decline of fish catch was also observed and spawning grounds of fish species damaged.   Under the Fisheries Code of 1998, a permit to quarry is not issued to projects within a marine habitat. – GMANews.TV