Aurora ecozone workers hit church-backed group

BALER, Aurora – Some 1,000 workers of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) went on a 120-kilometer march from the ecozone’s site in Casiguran town to this capital town to dramatize their protest against a Church-backed group of 120 farmers who opposed the project.

The placard-bearing workers – composed of farmers, fisherfolks and indigenous peoples – traveled through rough terrains and dirt roads on 10 vehicles up to the provincial capitol grounds in Barangay Buhangin.

They disputed claims by anti-Apeco groups that the project will drive them out of their homes.

The pro-Apeco groups were led by Conchita Descarga, president of the Samahang Katutubong Dumagat sa Aurora; her sister, Nora Gutierrez; and Dumagat chieftains led by Joel Guerra.

Apeco president and chief executive officer Malcolm Sarmiento Jr. and deputy administrator Kent Avestruz joined the protesters at the capitol.

President Aquino earlier ordered an investigation into the operations of Apeco following a dialogue at the Ateneo de Manila University with 120 farmers. The farmers had just finished an 18-day, 350-kilometer protest march from Casiguran to Manila to demand the repeal of the law creating Apeco and for its funding be scrapped.

The Senate has approved a P353-million budget for Apeco next year. Apeco was created under Republic Act 9490 authored by Sen. Edgardo Angara and amended under RA 10083 sponsored by Angara’s son, Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo.

Groups opposing the project cited lack of consultation with affected residents, massive displacement and economic dislocation by banning fishing in the area. They said the development of the ecozone had encroached into their ancestral lands and led to the seizure of large tracts of prime agricultural lands.

Sarmiento said anti-Apeco groups have been peddling lies to stop the project to the extent of “fooling and deceiving the President” with misinformation and black propaganda.

He noted that consultations with affected sectors started in the 1990s when the project was still being conceptualized.

“For every law passed by Congress, there are public hearings. The residents of Casiguran were consulted and heard when the bill on Apeco was being deliberated upon. Even President Aquino admitted he participated in the debates,” he said.

Sarmiento also denied allegations of land grabbing, displacement of tribal folks and the fishing ban.

On claims that the project is a waste of taxpayers’ money, Sarmiento said the ecozone is in fact generating unprecedented benefits to local people.

“In fact, we have employed a thousand people, half of whom in the construction sector,” he said, adding that additional jobs will be generated in a seaweeds project.

“By 2014, we expect to generate 3,000 jobs so no taxpayers’ money will be wasted,” he said. -- MG