By reading between the lines, the proposed resort to be constructed in the island of Panglao seem to have had created a polarization of parties into two opposing factions, the Oasis Leisure Island .Development, OLID, and the fishermen of the barangays of Panglao on one side and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan with the resort owners on the other. It does not need a Mensa intelligence to sense the drawing of the battle lines. Their interests conflicted... In some previous issue of the Post we stated that the intention of the OLID to establish a tourist resort in Panglao was not possible because premium spaces had been taken. The OLID decided to create an island for that purpose.
Naturally, that generated opposition from the resort owners. Competition would force them to introduce changes and that would mean additional investment and lowering of previously enjoyed rate of profits. Two opposing parties materialized the fishermen of Duljo, Danao and Poblacion grouped together under Kalamdag to object to the project and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. However, when OLID was able to convince the fishermen that they would have chances of earning livelihood if the project would materialize the latter changed sides. Only the SP remained. Some say a powerful lobby must have been launched but there are only three board members in the First District. A study of the impact of the proposed project had been agreed upon to decide the issue.
It is ironic that while the rest of the country is racing to develop tourist destinations, Bohol refuses even to consider proposals for a survey of possibilities for development. Because of familiarity, locals would fail to see potentials in the vicinity. Even if there are, they would like to keep them on ice until they could be able to profit from them. Good for them since they could lead a comfortable life while the rest are kept ignorant and poor.
If the environmental change of the 450 hectares of space intended to be constructed by the OLID is to be considered in toto, the SP and self-styled environmentalists would win hands down... Development projects will always make demands on the environment no matter how carefully planned. Under this principle, no development project could be justified. But man must live, progress and profit, not only the resort owners, SP, OLID and Kalamdag. So a trade off must be attempted; development which sacrifices only the least important elements affected. There is to be a trade off of marine living space for human development space but since the sea occupies two thirds of the earth's surface, the swap is very minimal.
The next is to scrutinize the development plans of the OLID. If they intend to create an island complete with exotic materials and flora, the project should be rejected outright. It is imperative that OLID must duplicate the local environment as much as possible. The bedrock, sand, and soil must duplicate that what is in the vicinity. The flora though it may be aesthetically arranged must be of the local variety. The OLID long range program must include exclusive use of organic fertilizers, banning entry exotic fauna, use of detergents, control of marine motorized traffic and maintenance of sanitation facilities among others. What we would like to see is a comprehensive project study detailing the advantages and disadvantages of constricting a man made island for tourism, its impact on the environment of the shallow water marine life of the area and economic benefits expected to be derived from such project. The facts in the study must come from environmental experts and financial analysts accredited by the academe. Not the home grown variety. They may have too many fingers in the pie...
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