SP APPROVES 30 QUARRY REQUESTS
But Councilor Acosta pointed out that the approval of these quarry applications could have waited for a study on how it will affect the environment
A total of 30 quarry operation requests were approved during yesterday's City Council session but Davao City Councilor Maria Belen Acosta said it was a rush decision.
Acosta, the only one who voted no, was dismayed by the Council's decision, saying that they could have waited for another one or two sessions for the consolidated study and assessment from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro).
"I think that development and progress and also the environmental protection should go together, that is sustainability," Acosta said, adding that the city councilors should be prudent in their decisions because they are the policy-makers and that whatever they permitted could never be stopped.
"How many permits can we approve doon sa punto na okay siya and makatulong sa economic development with the Build, Build, Build program and at the same time, sustainable din siya?" she said.
Acosta also said that there should be a clear understanding on how much quarry operations could the city hold to avoid long-term environmental effects.
On the side of the environment advocates, lawyer Mark Peñalver of Interface Development Interventions (Idis) said in an interview with reporters yesterday that the approval raised questions on prioritizing interests.
"Sa success sa city, daghan kaayo ug maki-ride on. But when it comes to accountability, wala na (During success of the city, many will ride-on. But when it comes to accountability, no one will be there at all)," Peñalver said, quoting Acosta, adding that the interest of the people should be prioritized instead of investors.
He also said that while the city welcomes development through investors, it should also aim sustainability.
Idis also reminds the councilors to be transparent in their votes.
Meanwhile, committee on environment and natural resources chair Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus said that the local zoning board assured their committee that it will not result to over quarrying.
“This is not a new thing. We have been approving quarry operations for as long as it is not detrimental to the public safety and it will not have a negative impact on the environment,” he said.
Sa success sa city, daghan kaayo ug maki-ride on. But when it comes to accountability, wala na (During success of the city, many will ride-on. But when it comes to accountability, no one will be there at all).” LAWYER MARK PEÑALVER Interface Development Interventions (Idis)