The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), along with non-government organizations, academe and members of the local media in Western Visayas held a coordination meeting to tackle concerns of some environmental groups on the implementation of Esplanade projects along Iloilo River.
According to Dr. Rex Sadaba of the University of the Philippines-Visayas, a scientific approach is needed in preserving the mangroves along certain sections of the Iloilo River Esplanade, citing the location and tidal elevations as primary considerations when planting mangroves.
He also expressed optimism that the mangroves that died could still be replaced by replanting new species and through natural colonization process.
As to the implementation of Esplanade projects, DPWH Region 6 Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto said that mangroves that will be affected by some sections of the projects, particularly in Esplanade 6, will be retained.
He added that certain sections of the project will be realigned to preserve mangroves along the river.
“There is an estimated 10 kilometers of mangroves covered by the Esplanade sections. We will not be touching anymore the existing mangroves but we will ask for considerations for those mangroves that will be inevitably covered by the projects,” Fruto said.
DPWH will also complement the preservation program with the planting of mangroves scheduled in May this year, in various areas that are still open.
“We will move forward and learn from these experiences so that similar projects that we will implement in the future are acceptable to all sectors,” he added.
The Esplanade project espouses the concept of pedestrianization of roads and interconnectivity initiatives.