The environmental group AMLIG Antique Alliance called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to immediately halt the ongoing construction of a four-kilometer esplanade-seawall-road in Barangay Funda-Dalipe in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. According to the group, the project violates environmental protection laws and will destroy the marine ecosystem.

In an appeal last April, the alliance stated that the construction have already destroyed turtle nests along the shores of Barangay San Pedro up to Barangay Funda-Dalipe. The damage will worsen if the project continues. Furthermore, the environmental destruction persists due to government inaction, which is in effect complicit.

In its appeal, Amlig laid out the reasons for the urgent cessation of the project. They said the construction disregarded legal environmental protections. It allegedly bypassed the requirement for Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and consultations with communities. The project also endangers the already threatened turtle habitat and the buffer zone of the town’s Marine Protected Area (MPA).

In addition, the project disregarded the affected communities’ situation and rights. The Funda-Dalipe Fisherfolk Association (FDFFA) reportedly opposed the project formally, but the local government ignored their concerns. No consultations were made with the seven barangays affected by the project.

“This is a preventable ecological disaster, but there is still time for agencies to act. If they fail to do so, they will face the full force of environmental laws, and we will pursue legal action to halt the project,” Amlig chairperson Atty. Rolly Pedriña said.

Atty. Pedriña also called on Antique Gov. Rhodor Cadiao and San Jose Mayor Delfin Justin Encarnacion to issue a temporary order to stop the project following Local Government Code. “We also urge the EMB/PENRO to immediately issue a cease-and-desist order to prevent further destruction of turtle habitats,” the chairperson further appealed.

On April 28, the governor was compelled to agree with their call and appealed to the DENR to immediately address the issue. The governor recommended the issuance of a cease-and-desist order or suspension of the project.

Aside from the reasons Amlig already laid out, the governor added that the construction of the seawall could also worsen flooding, destroy the livelihood of fisherfolk, and block the passage of boats during storms.