BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday expressed his support to the road development traversing the Silay-Patag-Cadiz-Calatrava areas, stressing that it will spur development, especially the countryside.
For as long as we do not break any environmental laws, I am for it, stressed by Lacson, clarifying that the road network development is being undertaken by the national government and not by the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza and environmentalist groups are opposing the establishment of a new road network traversing the Northern Negros Natural Park, which will threaten the ecosystem.
Lacson said the establishment of another road network will also shorten travel time.
“As long as they have an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and comply with other environmental laws I will support it,” he further stressed.
The road project stretches for 3.7 kilometers and has a budget of P125 million.
In his letter to the Department of Public and Works and Highways, Alminaza said that the project will entail forest clearing, landscape alteration, dislocation of wildlife species, and deterioration of ecological services and benefits, among others.
He added that it will create fragmentation in the largest remaining lowland forest of Negros Island and undermine the integrity of the delicate ecosystems.
While he recognizes the importance of development projects, including opening of roads to facilitate the stimulus of economic development, particularly in the hinterland barangays, Alminaza however said, “any development project should not be at the expense of our natural environment, such as the old growth forest that is getting limited in Negros Occidental.”*
