(Photo from the NO to 174DGTE Coalition)
The group, which calls themselves the “NO to 174DGTE Coalition”, believes that the planned 174-hectare off-shore island would compromise 84 percent of local fish species as a result of the reclamation process.
“The artificial island, touted as a ‘smart city’ hosting a clubhouse, heliport, yacht club, retirement villas, high-rise commercial and residential buildings, malls, etc., has an estimated cost of P23 billion. We object to this massive reclamation project,” the group said in a position paper sent to environment beat reporters.
It said the project came to light after the city government of Dumaguete “negotiated an agreement with Quezon City-based construction company E.M. Cuerpo with ties to a Chinese company to create a 174-hectare off-shore island.” It said that the island is “more than twice the size of Apo Island.”