Scientists, youth and religious groups protested the plan of the local government unit to reclaim a 174-hectare area in the city for the construction of a so-called “Smart City.” They said that the project will affect four marine protected areas which serve as habitat to 200 fish species, and will have an adverse impact on the livelihood of local fisherfolk.

The city council allowed Mayor Felipe Remollos last July 7 to award the ₱23-billion contract for the reclamation project to E.M. Cuerpo, Inc. (EMCI) which is in partnership with Chinese company Poly Changda Overseas Engineering Company. The protests held the succeeding day were spearheaded by the No to 174 Dumaguete Islands and Kabataan Para Sa Karapatan-Negros Oriental.