Mayor Lucilo Bayron of Puerto Princesa has announced a bold plan to save the city’s coastal area and transform it into a bustling commercial hub.
During his speech at the city’s Infrastructure Exhibit held last week at SM Puerto Princesa, Bayron said that the project involves the relocation of thousands of coastal residents situated in the Quito area to Barangay Irawan, San Jose and Mandaragat in order to make way for new developments and infrastructure.
“Doon sa Irawan, we’ll be able to relocate 4,000 families, mayroon tayong area dito sa San Jose, katabi lang ng ating dating terminal, 2 hectares, we’ll be able to relocate 1,1160 sabi ni architect. Mayroon tayong parte sa Mandaragat, hindi pa nga fully paid, but we’re going to fully pay this agad so we’ll be able to relocate mga 400 families din doon,” Bayron said.
The coastal area of Puerto Princesa is one of the most valuable and significant natural resources in the city. However, the area has also been severely affected by pollution and coastal erosion, posing a significant threat to its long-term sustainability.
“If we’ll be able to relocate ‘yung coastal dwellers natin, then we’ll re-claim ‘yung mga coastal area to make it into commercial areas para makabawi naman ‘yung Pamahalaang Lungsod sa magiging investment niyan sa pagrelocate ng mga coastal dwellers,” Bayron said.
The project involves a massive cleanup effort of the City Baywalk, mangroves, and coral reefs, along with the development of new infrastructure to attract tourists and businesses.
“We will intoduce more water treatment plant. Sa ngayon nasubukan natin, we did one and it’s working kaya kung mapapansin niyo hindi na ganoon ka-smelly ‘yung ating Puerto Princesa Baywalk because of that waste water treatment plant,” Bayron said.
The relocation of thousands of coastal families is a key component of the project.
The communities are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Puerto Princesa, with some residents living in informal settlements along the coast.
These settlements are highly exposed to the risks of sea-level rise, storm surges, and other climate-related hazards.
Bayron and his team have assured the residents that the relocation process will be carried out with transparency, fairness, and respect for their rights.
The government will provide them with new housing, livelihood opportunities, and other support services to ensure a smooth transition.
The relocation process will also be implemented in phases, allowing residents to adjust to their new environment gradually.
The project will involve the development of new infrastructure, such as hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities.
The government also plans to attract new businesses to the area, such as fishing and aquaculture industries, to create jobs and boost the local economy.
Nevertheless, the plan has been met with mixed reactions.
Some residents are in favor of the project, seeing it as an opportunity for economic growth and development. However, others are opposed to the move, citing the loss of their homes and communities as a significant concern.
Bayron’s plan is a bold move that aims to address the environmental and economic challenges facing the city.
While the project poses significant challenges and concerns, it also offers a unique opportunity to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for Puerto Princesa’s coastal communities.
“If the entire citizenry makikipagtulungan sa atin, we’ll be able to accomplish this and will be turned-over sa ating succeeding generations natin kasi binigyan tayo ng Panginoong Diyos ng napakagandang resource na regalo, dapat eh pag-alis natin ay iiwanan natin sakanila na maganda pa rin at kapaki-pakinabang pa rin,” Bayron said.
Discussion about this post