In coordination with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) conducted a Public Scoping of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment (PEIA) of the Master Development Plan (MDP) of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZEFP), held last April 27-28, 2022 at Multipurpose Gymnasium, Centro, Santa Ana and Rooftop, Municipal Hall, Aparri, Cagayan, respectively.
The conduct of Public Scoping is a compliance with the Guidelines on Public Participation Under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System of the DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2017-15, followed by the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a process involving predictions, monitoring, and evaluation, of the project impacts on the environment during construction, commissioning operation, and abandonment. The full compliance with the DAO No. 2017-15 shall be the authority of CEZA in implementing projects embedded in MDP.
Representing Sec. Raul L. Lambino, Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of CEZA, and Mr. Leonardo C. Cruz, Head Technical Assistant and Officer-in-Charge of Cagayan Offices, expressed his gratitude to the representatives from various groups and communities in attending the Public Scoping for the said projects. Mr. Cruz, who is also the Project Team Leader of this study, said that they aim to make the nearby communities, Local Government Units, and other stakeholders partners of CEZA for inclusive development.
The scope of the CEZA MDP in the areas of the municipality of Santa Ana, Cagayan is divided into five districts, namely (1) the Port Irene District, (2) Centro District, (3) San Vicente District: The Marina, (4)San Vicente District: The Resorts, and (5) the Signage District.
On the other hand, major infrastructure projects are also planned for the islands of Barit, Fuga, and Mabbag, Aparri, Cagayan to spur tourism activities and accelerate economic growth in the said areas.
Representatives from various groups, including the fisherfolk, farmers, organizations, association, the church, barangay officials, residents, and the Local Government Units raised their concerns about the affected areas and residents with projects soon to be implemented.
Mr. Cir Rodney C. Cacatian, Department Manager for Management Services assured that all issues, concerns, and apprehensions raised during the conduct of Open Forum will be considered in the preparation of the EIA report; and all processes as mandated by land shall be complied with during the implementation of projects.
Moreover, Engr. Avelino Natividad, Division Manager A for Environmental Management has also guaranteed that all the development to be executed by CEZA shall comply with environmental and other pertinent laws. Meanwhile, also present in the said activity were the Regional Director Nelson P. Hondrado, Engr. Jason B. Malamug, For. Patrocinia P. Daliuag, For. Leonard Jose Calagui, Engr. Marinette Adviento of DENR-EMB, Dr. Ricardo Villavert and Ms. Maria Lourdes Ronquillo from Woodfields Consultancy Inc., representatives from concerned Regional Line Agencies, and other officers and staff of CEZA.
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