Until this time, there is still no assurance that the controversial Panglao reclamation project will even push through. This was gathered from the project proponent during a presentation before the Panglao Sangguniang Bayan last week. Oasis Leisure Development Inc. (OLIDI) presented the concept which will include three to four man-made islands in the area. According to Norris Oculam of OLIDI, they intend to hire an Australian firm which has undertaken similar projects and even won an award in Australia to oversee the environmental conservation aspect. OLIDI said it is also bent on tapping a European company which undertook the famous palm-formed reclamation in Dubai .
Oculam made it clear that the project will still go through three levels of study including biodiversity assessment, a technical study on the sea and current movement and finally the environmental impact assessment (EIA). The EIA is required by law as a basis for the granting of an environmental compliance certificate by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Oculam revealed that an inventory will be made on the proposed area particularly on its biodiversity content. OLIDI will hire marine biologists and other environmental consultants and experts aside from utilizing studies and inventories previously undertaken by scientists from the Silliman University and University of San Carlos .
Oculam said the activities in the area will be undertaken with the supervision of the Bohol Marine Triangle management board. He also made it clear that during this stage, all interested parties including those opposing it now can participate in the study to remove doubts on its authenticity. Councilor Dennis Hora who presided over the session confirmed that Oculam made the statement in the presence of oppositors led by ex-Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan. Oculam also stressed that the two studies are not legal requirements but which OLIDI has committed to undertake. He explained that the decision on whether to proceed with the project or not will depend on the results of these two studies.
Hora later revealed that a public hearing will first be conducted before the municipal council can pass a resolution regardless of whether it is favorable or not. He said the public hearing would be the proper forum to manifest the respective positions including the consultants and experts who are either in favor or against the project and the council members themselves. When the questions were raised after the presentation, it was learned that contrary to the claims of opponents of the project, the memorandum of agreement between OLIDI and the provincial government has not yet been signed. Hora declined to comment on reports that while the rules were suspended, Dumaluan tried to insinuate that Oculam was planning to eliminate him. Order was, however, restored and Dumaluan and his group left the session hall. Hora said the oppositors, who were not invited for the presentation but who were allowed to raise questions, left the session hall without even thanking the councilors for the privilege extended to them.
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