Shipyards seek win-win solution over recla dispute
The Shipyard Association of Consolacion (SACC) is opening its doors to a possible dialogue with the local government unit (LGU) in a bid for a win-win solution over the proposed Seafront City reclamation project.
In a statement, SACC expressed willingness to discuss possible solutions, so as not to affect the businesses of the shipyard operators.
SACC is composed of seven commercial shipyards operating in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion. Most of its members have been in operation for more than 30 years and the facilities they have developed contribute to the advancement of the country’s maritime industry.
According to SACC, the group is willing to work side-by-side with the proponents of the project and the Consolacion LGU.
SACC member companies provide services like: ship building, ship repair and maintenance, ship breaking, ship conversion and other specialized marine-related services, like Fixed CO2 Installation and Servicing, Underwater Hull Inspection, Hydrographic Surveying, Marine Heavylift,
Tug Assistance and Marine Salvaging Works, just to name a few. These services offered to shipowners stand to lose if the reclamation project were to be built, they claimed.
Currently, SACC is opposed to the reclamation project claiming that “the Local Government of Consolacion has not given any feasible plans to protect the various shipyards and affected locals in the area.”
“Moreover, the LGU has also forgotten to take into consideration the economic and environmental impact of their project. Aside from the unemployment of thousands, this will eliminate majority of the shipyards in Cebu. To close the shipyards is to undervalue its significant contribution and the technical support it has given to the shipping sector of our country,” the group stated.
Aside from the shipyard operators’ concern on possible eviction and probably losing their businesses, the group said the pandemic also affected their businesses, just like the others.
“Since the outbreak, we have noticed a considerable decrease in customers and overall volume of work, resulting in estimated 4050 percent loss of revenue. Although we continue to operate, we mostly now repair ships that serve infrastructure, construction, mining, energy and general cargo industries,” it said.
According to SACC, the reclamation project will result in the unemployment of thousands due to the closure of the commercial shipyards of Consolacion, all of whom serve 60-70 percent of all ships in Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao.
“The shipping industry of these areas, will be greatly affected, most especially the vessels in Cebu.”
The clients of SACC member shipyards are mainly from government agencies like the Philippine navy, and essential services like the cargo ships that transport rice, cement, food-grade agriproducts and the like.
Because of this, the group is hoping to reach out with the LGU for a productive dialogue, so as not to sacrifice the shipyard, at the same time pursue the reclamation project.
“A few days after the supposed “Public Scoping of the LGU” last January 2021, the SACC members organized a meeting with the Vice-Mayor in the hopes to voice out our concerns, come into an agreement. It was as this time that we also requested another follow-up meeting, with the people behind La Consolacion Seafront Development Corporation. However, their identity has still not been revealed to us and until now, we are still waiting for the LGU to grant us an audience with them,” SACC statement said.
“The shipyard industry is something the Municipality of Consolacion should be proud of and it should be protected, not closed. I believe a resolution can be reached if the LGU of Consolacion finally realizes the value and importance of our industry and does not use their authority to drive us all out,” it added.
SACC also stressed that relocation of the shipyard “is not an easy task as it takes years to build a shipyard and not all coastlines are viable for such development.”