By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the city’s coastal areas amid mounting concerns from fisherfolk and urban poor groups over the environmental impact of ongoing man-made developments and potential displacement of residents.
The move was agreed upon during a dialogue between the city government, the Bacolod Against Reclamation Movement (BARM), and representatives of the urban poor held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Tuesday, October 21.
Gasataya said the city government will conduct an on-site inspection, not only in Banago but also in Barangays Pahanocoy and Sum-ag, to evaluate the overall environmental and social impacts of these coastal projects.
BARM-Bacolod chairman Alberto Bucado said reclamation and restoration works along the Purok Sibucao shoreline have allegedly worsened flooding and reduced local fish harvests since operations began two years ago.
The concerns follow earlier proposals to reclaim about 1,000 hectares of coastal land spanning Barangays Banago 1 and 2 under a public-private partnership scheme.
Fisherfolk groups also raised alarms over continuing construction at the mouth of the Sum-ag River despite a recent court ruling convicting an engineer of environmental violations linked to a nearby resort development.
“It feels like a thorn has been removed from our chest after the mayor took the time to listen to our concerns,” Bucado said, expressing relief after the dialogue.
Meanwhile, urban poor groups called for safeguards against possible displacement in 10 identified public lands after the city’s application for land patents with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Berlita Ante, secretary-general of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap – Negros, urged for the amendment of the city’s existing memorandum of agreement with the DENR to protect residents’ rights.
Responding to the concerns, Gasataya announced plans to form a tripartite agreement between the city government, homeowners’ groups and the DENR to ensure that no dwellers will be displaced during land ownership processing.
He also directed Bacolod Housing Authority Head Ma. Victoria Parrenas to coordinate closely with both sectors in crafting sustainable and equitable housing solutions.
“We are fortunate to have sat down with the mayor, and we look forward to seeing the realization of what we have planned and discussed,” Ante said, lauding the administration’s willingness to engage the urban poor sector.
Reaffirming his commitment to social equity, Gasataya also vowed to support lot awardees on relocation sites by proposing amendments to City Ordinance No. 1040 or the Homelot Ordinance to extend payment deadlines by three to five years.
“I can’t do it all at once or within a month, but I want to be honest with you — this is the direction we’re taking, and this is what we have agreed upon,” the mayor said.
“There may be challenges during implementation, but communication is key.”
In addition, Gasataya plans to initiate talks with law enforcement agencies to address reports of red-tagging targeting progressive groups in Bacolod.
He also expressed intent to coordinate with the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Slaughterhouse to review possible salary adjustments for workers at the AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse in Barangay Handumanan, through fee adjustments recommended by the employees’ union./CJ, WDJ