Governor Edgar Chatto yesterday clarified that in any development program, public consultation should be the first requisite that any project proponent should undertake.
The governor said he had just discussed with DENR officials about the possible entry points for aggregates to be used for the construction of the New Bohol Airport in Panglao.
The matter also cropped up the first coordination meeting on the New Bohol Airport, together with officials of the contractors-both the Chiyoda-Mitsubishi joint venture and the sub-contractor which is the EEI Company.
It was made clear that the priority policy is that in whether a project is temporary or permanent, it should go through consultations with affected sectors.
Among the suggested possible entry points of the supplies to be used for the New Bohol Airport were Leyte, Mindanao, and the port here and the alternative entry points within the island of Panglao and an area in Albur.
The carrying capacity of the bridge on which the cargo of aggregates will pass through had also been considered, according to the governor.
Also, during the multi-sectoral meeting, it was made clear that there should be consultation with the people in the localities involved.
The complaint about the eyed port in barangay Tangnan, Panglao first had been first lodged before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan found out from Chiyoda-Mitsubishi joint venture that the proponent of the project was not their duly authorized sub-contractor. So, it fizzled out then, according to the governor.
The communication from DOTC followed, making it clear that the primary step is consultation.
The governor also explained that the most important thing to consider is whether or not it will disturb the environment, or whether or not it will disturb the natural resources in the localities, or whether or not it is acceptable by the residents katawhan and it is important for the proposed project to to go through the process.
The governor also said Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Nestor Canda also made it clear that they cannot sacrifice the dialogue with the people.
As of this time, Chatto said it is difficult to make a final comment on a project that is not yet official presented by the proponent as to the extent of their utilization of the area and the design of their proposed facility–how will it impact on the coastline and the marine resources and the duration of their utilization of the area if it would be the entry point of the materials for the airport .
Concerns in the other alternatives sites should also be considered.
The other possible options for shorter routes through mainland Bohol is also considered, according to the governor.