The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) sees no more hurdles which could derail the impending demolition of illegal structures along the Alona Beach in Panglao.
“Para nako, wa nay babag ang pag-demolish sa maong mga structure,” said PENRO chief Eusalem Quiwag.
According to Quiwag, the provincial government and various agencies including the DENR have prepared to assist in carrying out the demolition order which is expected to be implemented in August.
The provincial government through Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio has offered the usage of demolition equipment and fuel for their operation, said Quiwag.
“Kung naa nay order of demolition, gahuwat na ang atong opisina sa DENR, ang provincial government na maoy mo provide og equipment sa demolition and mo provide og fuel para sa equipment,” Quiwag added.
Quiwag clarified that only Panglao Mayor Pedro Fuertes has the authority to order the demolition, not the DENR.
He however said that Fuertes has expressed willingness to issue the order.
“The municipal mayor of Panglao has committed sa atoang meeting last May na mo-issue og order of demolition aning maong mga structures,” he said.
Quiwag’s statement came after concerned resort operators at the Alona area in Panglao proposed a rehabilitation plan aimed at cancelling or deferring the demolition.
Part of the stakeholders’ plan is to fill the Alona area with more sand which will be enclosed in a large bag.
“Wa to mo-supak ani. Although ang mga strategies medyo atoang gi-question ang mga pamaagi. Nakit-an nato na magbutang sila og dako na bag diha sa Alona area unya sudlan og bas,” said Quiwag.
The PENRO official noted that the plan could pose hazard to the public and create environmental issues.
“Ang atoang direction is demolition human rehabilitation. Dili rehabilitation usa ang demolitiion, kay kung ato na siyang himuon maabtan ta og siyam-siyam,” he said.
The structures that are set to be demolished have earlier been identified by the DENR as illegal due to their location within the town’s 20-meter easement zone.
These included riprap, fences, stairs, seawalls and buildings.
Quiwag also pointed out that some of the operators of said “horizontal structures” in the area not only violated the easement rule, but have also failed to secure permits for their buildings. (AD)