Environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) expressed support for the construction of the Samal Island – Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project as it will bring ease and convenience to the lives of Samaleños and Dabawenyos.
However, the group also believes it should not compromise the environment, especially the rich marine biodiversity found below the sea.
The group issued the statement following the recent groundbreaking of the project, which was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.
In a statement, IDIS believes that progress and developments like the bridge can be attained without compromising the environment.
“Coral reefs are crucial part of the watershed ecosystems, they are sensitive to extreme changes in the environment, such as changes in freshwater flows and nutrient inputs. Thus, they are important indicators of water quality, ecological health, and what is happening in the upland and coastal watershed,” it said.
The group also emphasized that the construction of the bridge should also consider the local fishing industry and the changes it will make in their trade.
“Fishing has become the bread and butter of some residents on Samal Island. Coral reefs serve as a habitat for fish, shellfish, and other invertebrates. Admittedly, coastal developments such as bridges and docks can damage coral reefs over the long term. Thus, their destruction would mean the loss of a home to fish and shellfish, resulting in food insecurity and livelihood degradation. Healthy coral reefs support commercial and subsistence fisheries as well as jobs and businesses in the fields of tourism and recreation,” it said.
The group is now calling for the realignment of the bridge as they believe there are other areas within Samal Island where the connector bridge can be constructed, which will not cause harm to the rich coral reefs and fishing areas of Samal Island.
“The aim should be to “build the bridge, wherein there will be least environmental damage,” the group said.
The group also said that both the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Local Government Unit of Samal Island should attain a highly environmentally-sensitive infrastructure design and mitigating measures.
Meanwhile, DPWH has previously allayed fears that the SIDC will harm the marine life.
Joey Tulaylay, DPWH-11 engineer and SIDC program manager, assured that no coral will be affected during the construction phase of the project.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan also assured that the proposed bridge has undergone a very exhaustive project preparation and has taken into account all the possible environmental and technical aspects that are best and most economical for the project.
