By: Katlea Zairra Itong

Photo courtesy of: Yes the Best Dumaguete

Inclusive and meaningful consultation between local government and stakeholders, like non-government organizations (NGOs), should be integral in planning and implementing all government-funded projects, most importantly if these projects directly impact on the livelihood of local communities and the natural resources. 

Thus, the Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA), a national network of 43 NGOs, supports the Dumaguete City People’s Development Council (PDC) in its call to the Sangguniang Panlungsod [City Council] for an inclusive and wider consultation among all stakeholders on the unsolicited 174-hectare reclamation project proposal in the city. 

The PhP 23-billion reclamation project, proposed by E.M. Cuerpo Inc. to the City Government of Dumaguete, will run parallel to the shoreline of the city. The proposal will create a “Smart City” in Dumaguete with 5G-ready connections, coastal wastewater treatment facility, esplanade, a modern ferry port, and an open area for other facilities, infrastructure, and business hubs. 

The Dumaguete City PDC raises two important issues: First, the City Government of Dumaguete has not conducted any public consultation despite the extensive project scope that can affect livelihoods and natural resources. Second, the public processes have not been transparent. The PDC also calls on the City Council to withdraw its resolution authorizing Mayor Remollo to sign the joint venture agreement with the project proponent E.M. Cuerpo Inc.  

At least 25 groups and individuals including the Diocese of Dumaguete, architects, scientists, and artists, have voiced their statements against the project. The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), composed of the most eminent scientists in the Philippines, also released a statement, emphasizing that “effective administration of these areas is possible only through cooperation among national and local government and concerned private organizations consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.”

The Dumaguete PDC is a network of civil society organizations constituted by the City Council in 2012 and 2016 to represent different stakeholders in government structure and processes and to participate in policy formulation and legislation in the city. It is, therefore, the best platform for inclusive consultation with all stakeholders regarding the reclamation project, based on a genuine desire, not just a tokenistic exercise, to involve citizens and relevant stakeholders – including marginalized groups – and take their views into account.

The PDC champions participatory governance for local development through the Consolidating CSO Networks for Citizens Engagement towards Participatory and Accountable Governance for Poverty Reduction (CCCE PAG-PR) program. PDC is a partner of PhilDHRRA, a member network of CODE-NGO. 

Read the full Statement of Support of PhilDHRRA here

Read more about The Dumaguete 174-Hectare Reclamation Project here