There will be no unnecessary demolition of structures of Apo Island residents amid the impending construction of a modern floating wharf that was stalled this year, assured Dauin Mayor Galicano Truita last Friday.
“We have a new law of 40 meters easement from shore, and some residents fear their homes will be demolished. But I told them we have not yet reached that stage,” Mayor Truita said in reaction to complaints from island folk in Apo.
The Mayor assured the local government is addressing the concerns raised by the Apo residents, who earlier signed a petition against the project for fear of being displaced, and for possible environmental damage.
“Some of the petitioners are slowly withdrawing their objections after they understood the necessity of building a floating wharf for the safety and convenience of the residents and visitors,” the Mayor explained.
They were also made to understand that with a new berthing facility, more tourists could be visiting Apo Island, spurring economic activity, and benefitting them, he added.
The Dauin Mayor presented the slightly-revised project as recommended by the technical working group during a regular meeting of the Protected Area Management Board of the Apo Island Protected Landscape & Seascape at a hotel in Dumaguete.
“The design has not been revised but the original proposed location of the floating wharf was moved to the front of the island [western side] to avoid damage to the local biodiversity,” the Mayor said.
The “possible demolition” of the structure that houses the PAMB office, and the chapel is “necessary” as the area will form part of the floating wharf project, according to Truita.
A new PAMB office will be built away from the shore, while a new chapel will be rebuilt inland, he added, with a demolition permit required by PAMB.
So far, the parish priest for Apo Island has agreed to the demolition of the chapel.
Some residents have claimed ownership of the land on which the chapel now stands, but Mayor Truita said the land was donated to the church.
Residents who are protesting the project have declined media interviews.
For his part, Apo Island Village Chief Mario Pascobello disputed claims by some residents that no public consultation was made.
Pascobello said meetings were held before the launching of the project.
He also reiterated the Mayor’s pronouncement that motorboats currently plying the Apo Island route will not be displaced, including those whose incomes are derived from rental services for snorkeling equipment, and from the operation of food stalls.
Meanwhile, the jetty port and passenger terminal in barangay Maayong Tubig in mainland Dauin are around 90 to 95 percent complete, and will be inaugurated on Sept. 25, Truita said.
The project cost for both Apo Island’s floating wharf, and the mainland port facilities is pegged at P270 million.
Construction of the Apo Island floating wharf is expected to commence by next month in October, and will be operational by February 2025, the Mayor said. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
