By ANTIQUE – Environmental group Amlig Antique Alliance is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to immediately halt the ongoing esplanade and road construction in Barangay Funda-Dalipe in San Jose de Buenavista town, citing potential violations of environmental laws and threats to marine ecosystems.
Led by lawyer Rolly Pedrina, the alliance warned that the project endangers critical turtle nesting habitats along the coastline between Barangays Madrangca and San Pedro. The group cited possible breaches of Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and Republic Act No. 11038 (Expanded NIPAS Act), prohibiting development in protected areas.
In a letter dated April 28, 2025, Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao also appealed to the DENR to take immediate action, recommending the issuance of a Cease-and-Desist Order or Work Suspension Order on the project. Her letter followed an earlier demand by Amlig Antique Alliance and the Dihon Sa ‘Ra Ya Institute, Inc. on April 10, which she said the DENR had failed to address.
“I hasten to add, this you must do before the time comes for accountability, with a very strong reminder that the hours seem to run fast in this regard,” Cadiao stressed in her letter.
Pedrina further warned that the construction of a seawall as part of the project could obstruct boat passage during storms, worsen tidal flooding, and threaten the livelihoods of local fisherfolk—potentially violating provisions of the Fisheries Code./PT
