PANGLAO RECLAMATION:
Panglao folks to stage rally
proponent starts dialogues

Opponents of the proposed reclamation project in Panglao vowed to stage a protest rally at the city streets on Tuesday to challenge provincial officials to abandon the multi-billion construction of offshore artificial islands.

The Panglaoanons Against Reclamation (Pare) will march from the Cogon Shrine all the way to the Capitol on Tuesday afternoon.

But even as the group led by former Panglao mayor Doloreich Dumaluan promised to gather a huge crowd for the protest, one project proponent claims they are slowly winning the hearts of residents in three barangays near the proposed site.

Oasis Islands Leisure Development Inc. (OLIDI) has been conducting public consultations the past two weeks, admits the company's vice president Atty. Carlos Castillo.

"Reaching out to Panglao residents became an urgent concern since opponents are spreading a lot of misconceptions about the reclamation project," Castillo explained.

Dumaluan's group however maintains that the number of objectors to the proposed reclamation is increasing and even municipal candidates for the May elections are riding on the issue.

A signature campaign is also ongoing to draw more oppositors, said Dumaluan.
"We cannot allow private business groups to exploit Panglao in pursuit of their profit motives," the former mayor stressed.

"LOOK WHO'S TALKING?"

The proponent of the proposed reclamation project could not help but lash out at what it calls the hypocrisy of one of the opponents' leaders.

"Look who's talking?", OLIDI said in a statement sent by email.

The statement did not directly identify the object of its contempt but gave vague reference to a resort owner who constructed a building inside the salvage zone.

"We hope that concern for the environment should be consistent and not made only on the basis of one's stand on the reclamation project," the statement said.

OLIDI said it wonders why the opponents of the project have been very vocal about a proposition that may or may not push through but is silent about a violation that is there for all to see.

The statement said environmental concern should be consistent and not selective.

OLIDI said it hopes that the expression of concern for the environment in recent weeks would also lead to a new look into other violations.

"It would be unfair if the criticisms would be limited to our proposed projects while other violations are left untouched," the statement added.

OLIDI has offered to develop 450 hectares of prime real estate in Panglao Bay .

The proposal has encountered opposition but the proponent has expressed optimism that after complying with all existing requirements, it would finally find acceptance by other stakeholders.

"We are confident that in due time, the project will be accepted by those whose only concern is preservation of the environment," the statement added.

TOP DEVELOPERS EYES PROJECT

The proposed offshore reclamation project has attracted two of the most influential developers in the world today.

OLIDI recently received a string of lucrative offers - from world-class Hawaii-based designer WATG and the internationally-acclaimed dredging and offshore contractor Van Oord.

"This sends a strong positive signal that our concept to reclaim land offshore is not just a big dream," declares OLIDI president Norris Oculam.

Drawing the interest of WATG and Van Oord simply creates a high-powered partnership, as OLIDI vies to develop Panglao Bay, which could surmount the present controversies and obstacles facing the proposal.

According to Oculam, experts from WATG and Van Oord have a common criteria before they agree to engage with the proponent - that the project will have no adverse environmental impact.

Both companies adopt European environmental standards which is even higher than that of the United States, and of course the Philippines '.

Last week, Van Oord executives met with Oasis and Gov. Erico Aumentado, to discuss details of the reclamation job and have an initial inspection at the proposed site.

Van Oord, the world's biggest dredging firm, is popularly known for their engineering feats and their recent accomplishment in offshore reclamation - the Palm in Dubai .

WATG, on the other hand, boasts over six decades of experience, becoming the world's leading design consultant for hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries.

Having projects in 160 countries and territories across six continents, WATG have been designing the best hotels and resorts, most of which have become international landmarks, not only known for thier design but its sense of responsibility to the environment.

Despite being at the receiving end of a barrage of criticisms, Oculam said he is hopeful people will see the positive aspects of the proposed Panglao Bay reclamation, although at this stage, the environmental study and site survey will be their guide whether the project should push through or not.

"We will go beyond complying with clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or other agencies. Everyone who have a stake in this planned development are enjoined to participate in the process of environmental and social study," Oculam explained.

The 450-hectare reclamation will not just be a "world class" destination and coastal tourism center, Oculam added saying, he wants to create more opportunities for the locals and investors who have seen the potentials of the tourism industry in the province.

Oasis is currently in negotiations with the provincial government to establish a joint-venture agreement for the reclamation project.