Just when it thought that it could proceed trouble-free with the Boljoon reclamation project, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ran into a wall when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a cease and desist order for the project contractor’s failure to secure an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
While there’s no arguing that something must be done to protect the residents of Boljoon town and those passing by the area from landslides, the way that they are going about it doesn’t bode well for the preservation of Ili Rock, a heritage site listed in Boljoon’s own ordinance.
The DPWH insists that “slope-benching” by the contractor, to carve out out step-like ridges on the slope, will prevent loose rocks and boulders from crashing on people passing by the road below in case of landslides caused by rains or by earthquakes.
No prior explanation given.
No engineering studies or alternatives (like steel mesh nets) were shown.
The defacement has been done. The limestone rockface is stripped of its natural surface. For the benefit of who?
The pending complaint in the Visyayas Ombudsman’s Office filed by a land claimant who was unhappy to see truckloads of limestone being hauled away by QM Builders for a fee will eventually reveal the answer.
A private deal made under the radar will need full inquiry, even if fishermen and heritage-conscious resident who initially raised a howl have simmered down.
What the project now puts at risk is the marine environment that will be smothered by filling materials and the loss of a beach cove for a reclamation strip.
For what?
For a concrete promenade that cheapens the frontage of the 230-year-old Patrocinio de Maria church and Boljoon’s white sand shore, the one that gives the stone church its authentic setting, and a story only Bojoon can tell, one of fortitude, courage and community spirit that warded off 16th century Moro raids as townsfolk, perched on Ili Rock, used the limestone peak and watchtowers, as an early warning system to alert Boljooanons of an impending attack.
Alas, it has taken a 21st century public works rush-job to undo all of that.
If the reclamation continues, and paves the entire coastline from Ili Rock to the municipal hall, the damage would not just be debris pollution of the sea but a permanent waste of a tangible heritage.
As Cebuano architect Augusto Villalon lamented, you can kiss the chance of a UNESCO world heritage site certification goodbye.
“We are not averse to reclamation but it has to be done correctly, scientifically and it must solve the issue of typhoon surge, geohazards, and spare the community from flooding,” said Envrionment Secretary Ramon Paje.
We can reclaim a beach from nature’s tempests, but who can save Boljoon’s coastline from human greed?