by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Prominent Aklanon personalities attended the weekly Kapihan on April 10, 2011 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar. Guests are Dr. Danilo E. Abayon, Pres. ASU, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Exec. Director, Aklan Rivers Dev. Council; Engr. Victory Fernandez, PEO Aklan; and Hon. Rodson Mayor, SP member. Timely topic on key Administration projects like Caticlan Jetty Port Reclamation and Dredging of Aklan river were discussed by Provincial Management Team. On the other hand, Dr. Abayon expounded ASU vision and mission for the next four years.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino claimed that Aklan is the first province in the country to legislate policy direction of its vital source of life and often destruction and death like river ecosystem. Big ones like Aklan and Ibajay rivers are tapped for irrigation and in this rising power crisis may be harnessed to provide cheap and renewable energy to jumpstart industrialization. Aggressive and focused determination on hydro-power can provide the key to our economic stability and prosperity. Relevance and merit are shown as other LGU’s like Iloilo and Bohol have adopted the same concept and design but with greater zeal, said former vice gov. Tolentino.
Power point presentation of Atty. Quimpo revealed the on-going 2.6 hectare Jetty Port Reclamation project in Caticlan cost P160 million. It is addressed to the burgeoning influx of one million tourists to Boracay next year. Marine facility, Phase I can accommodate 15 passenger boats at a time thus insuring safe and speedy passage to and from the world famous tourist destination.
Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) was issued by DENR and authority to commence by Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). "Actually, we are just restoring what the sea waves eroded from our coastal area in Caticlan estimated at 80 meters for the past 120 years. We only envision a perpendicular expansion of 60 meters from the existing coastline to avert any significant collateral damage to the environment", argued Atty. Quimpo.
Engr. Fernandez expects the construction of the reclamation project will be completed in October 2011. Meanwhile, Aklan river dredging contract funded at a total cost of P105 million by the government is completed as of December 2010.
State of our river systems in Aklan is deteriorating badly as in the case of Lagatik river in New Washington. This is pointed out by Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente citing water pollution leading to intensive fish kills. He said the core issue is faulty engineering cons-truction of Tambak bridge preventing entrance and exit of sea water that sustain brackish aquaculture and inland fisheries.
Dr. Abayon envisions a sustained development through greater leverage of the University’s pillars of excellence for progressive leadership towards the Centennial year. Flagship program includes: a) Fisheries and Marine Science – New Washington, b) Agriculture and Forestry – Banga, c) Hotel and Restaurant Management – Ibajay, d) Industrial Technology – Kalibo, and d) Teacher Education – Makato. He expressed optimism on problems and challenges facing current education thrust that could be overcome by strategic complementation of resources, rationalized curriculum and backed by compacted instructors. As a result of our academic thrust, there is increased enrolment in fisheries and agricultural courses, Abayon stated.
It is with subdued reaction that dredging near the mouth of Aklan river under the supervision of DPWH is finished. Excavation and transport of river bottom of sand and gravel are considered the most effective way to mitigate recurrent flooding of Kalibo and Numancia riverine communities. For all the time, effort and exorbitant expense it appear that nothing has changed the equation and the problem of river overflow next rainy season still exist. Virtually, this is a threat to human life and property, a black eye on the part of implementing agencies.
Consultant to this multimillion river dredging project is Dr. Vicente Javelosa and also the same person who undertook study and recommendation of the Jetty Port reclamation. How come Provincial officials unduly rely on findings of this technocrat from DENR despite dubious record on his integrity and performance?
If the amount to be expended for flood control is not adequate since P1 billion is needed, why was P105 million spent for an inutile undertaking? It could have been wisely spent on heavy equipments like bulldozer, road grader, pay loader, backhoe, and dump trucks, all desperately needed by DPWH and PEO. It is hard to rationalize for lack of transparency and accountability of most government agencies.
Buoyed by international media, sport and fashion shows and satisfied customers Boracay will soon hit 1 million tourists. This is bound to boost present earnings of P14 billion per year to unprecedented height. However, it is very obvious that the Department of Tourism (DOT) does not have figures to show the maximum or minimum tourism load capacity of Boracay. The 10.1 square kilometre of rugged prime turf, home to powdery white sand, exotic marine fauna, swaying palms and stunning beaches is fragile. It could easily suffer from environmental degradation resulting to loss or irreparable damage.
Long term environment mitigation measures could enhance and protect coral reefs and seagrass, planting of endemic species of mangrove and zero infra development on areas with more than 18 percent slope.
Oceanic studies on coastal subsidence or rise of sea water due to melting polar ice caps and coastal erosion could be invaluable and critical for the next 40 years. By 2050, the United States Geological Service estimates sea water will rise one half meter around the globe, thus inundating a significant portion of our coastal flatlands. Furthermore, coastal erosion annually removes three feet of valuable coastline prompting many beach resort owners to institute emergency measures as stockpiling bags of sand or construct concrete embankments. Diniwid beach at Punta Bunga, Boracay is classical nightmare.
For tourism development program, DOT must come up with a minimum or maximum target of tourists visiting the island at any one time. It appears that over development in terms of growth of buildings are beginning to ruin the natural beauty and attraction. We need more investments, tourists and employment opportunities but must prevent terrible economic consequence.
Aklan must strengthen its agricultural programs and develop other tourist attractions like piña weaving, Ati-Atihan festival, mangrove reforestation, and others.
Boracay tourism has enjoyed a viable record of tourist arrivals for the past 40 years. Hopefully, this allure will stand the test of time. /MP
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