Estrao: Some residents don’t understand the project’s objective

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Residents of Hinoba-an’s Barangay Bacuyangan reportedly set up barricades on their land in opposition to the proposed construction of the nearly $300 million Tsuneishi Heavy Industries shipbuilding facility, expected to stretch across around 300 hectares in the said barangay, along with nearby Barangays Obong and Salvacion.

In a recent radio interview, September 21 Movement leader Felipe Gelle said local residents, especially those with certificates of land ownership awards, remain opposed to the project.

He said a majority of residents believe the structure will impact their livelihood.

Earlier this year, Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao said Tsuneishi Heavy Industries secured the legal documents to build a facility in the area and assured residents a relocation package has already been arranged.

He explained, the National Housing Authority assisted in setting aside 14 hectares of land in Barangay Bacuyangan.

“We respect the residents in the area,” the mayor stated. “However, some of them have yet to digest the objective of why we are establishing an economic zone.”

He affirmed, it is “for the good of the town’s people.”

Estrao claimed the proposed economic zone would generate approximately 5,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, local environmentalist group Green Alert Negros said of the potential job creation, “This can only promise us a cheap-paying job in tough and dangerous conditions.”

They also noted, citing research regarding ship recycling yards in other countries, workers and the public were exposed to health and environmental hazards.

In addition, Save Hinoba-an Movement advocacy group spokesperson Jimwell Canedo also claimed the project would displace at least 500 residents, noting some are Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program beneficiaries./DGB, WDJ