Korean-funded eco-zone golf course in P’sinan hit

By Mydz Supnad

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Oppositionists to the Aqua City eco-tourism zone where an 18-hole golf course would be built here funded by Korean investors, lashed out at the project last week saying it will destroy the environment.

But mayor Ernesto “Jonas” Castaneda, Jr. said he was supporting the venture branding oppositionists as “those whose minds are clouded by crab mentality.”

The project, Castanda said, will bring progress not just for the capital town but for the entire province.

Barangay captain Mario Navarro of Barangay Estanza, where the project would be built, said the venture would provide employment for his constituents, saying lack of work was among problems in their community.

This, as the provincial government with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau and Ajanta Consulting and Technical Services, Inc. conducted a public meeting recently at the Domalandan Center Elementary School here on the proposed project as requirement in seeking Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC.)

The meeting was attended by Korean investors and DENR-EMB officials led by Cesar Siador, Jr., environment impact assistant division chief of the central office.

Also present were barangay officials of four western barangays (Sabangan, Estanza, Malimpuec and Capandanan) where the project is located and their constituents.

Greg Palis, president of ACTSI, a private firm commissioned by the provincial government to undertake technical and social studies on the project, said the meeting was intended for the public to participate in discussion for conceptualization of the “environmental impact report” which is a prerequisite in applying for an ECC.

Palis said with the meeting, concerns of the public and aspects concerning the project will be discussed.

He added result of the meeting will serve as input of their studies that will be discussed and be explained once again in public in the coming days wherein a public forum will later be scheduled.

Engineer Alvin Bigay, Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chief, said the province through the stewardship of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. wanted everything related to the project transparent and in order.

Sabangan barangay captain Hector Fabiana, meanwhile said all four barangay council heads support the project which saying accusations against them for favoring the project were baseless.

Malimpuec barangay captain Delfin Velasco also thanked the governor “for leading the way towards the envisioned progress of Pangasinan.”