5,000 signatures reached
To: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Public Work and Highways, Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park Protected Area Management Board, Sibuyan LGUs
STOP NATIONAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION AT MT. GUITING-GUITING NATURAL PARK
We, the Romblomanon People, together with all other concerned, in behalf of Sibuyan Island's flora and fauna and the generations yet unborn, express grave environmental concerns for the inclusion in the 2020 General Approproations Act (based on the downloaded excel file: https://www.dbm.gov.ph/index.php/budget-documents/2020/general-appropriations-act-fy-2020/gaa-volume-ic) of the construction of Magdiwang-San Fernando National Road, Cross Country Road leading to Magdiwang Port.
WE DEMAND:
1. STOP the construction of the multi-million peso Cross Country National Road project across Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park (from Barangay Jao-asan, Magdiwang, to Barangay España, San Fernando, Romblon).
2. INVESTIGATE the process how the project was included in the 2020 General Appropriations Act without any feasibility study or any kind of consultation with proper agencies as the project was already previously halted by DPWH itself.
3. PRIORITIZE and fund the unfinished infrastructure projects such as the circumferential and farm to market roads, bridges, ports and airport.
Why is this important?
The implementation of this project is a clear violation of R.A 11038 otherwise known as Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018" and Proclamation No. 746 Series of 1996 which declares Mt. Guiting Guiting as a protected area.
Since there is no feasibility study, known environmental impact assessment/study nor cost-benefit analysis, the potential implementation of the project is violative of the General Provisions of the 2020 GAA, specifically Section 26 (c) which says: “The planning and construction of all infrastructure projects to be implemented within the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) are done in a way that eliminates and minimizes the risk of biodiversity loss while the specifications thereon are in accordance with those determined by DPWH, in coordination with DENR. Major infrastructure projects may only be taken in said areas if intended to enhance biodiversity.”
This is a patent violation of our constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
We were able to stop this project in 2018, we will do this again this year, and beyond.