Resolution of the People of Parañaque United For Genuine Development and Against Reclamation

We - current and past residents of Parañaque, stewards of the environment and advocates of genuine development - are gravely concerned with the continuing reclamation craze in the Manila Bay area and the absence of any comprehensive impact assessment for such reclamations.

Who can deny that the previous reclamation has contributed immensely to the damage of the area's coastal habitat and ecosystem, blockage of the natural pathways of the river systems naturally flowing into the bay, and increase in massive flooding in Parañaque?

Only recently, with the Habagat phenomenon, and without even any storm surges, most of the areas in Parañaque and Las Piñas were under water. Parañaque was the first city in Metro Manila to be declared under a state of calamity.

We feel as Parañaqueños that the direction currently being pursued will result in the destruction of private property including historic sites like the St. Andrew’s Cathedral and various chapels dear to our hearts, devaluation of our real estate, possible loss of lives, increased health hazards and extinction of local livelihood and businesses.

As a result of these concerns, we do hereby unite as Parañaqueños and respectfully call on our Honorable Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez, to:

1. Stop the planned reclamation of Manila Bay in Las Piñas-Parañaque, by repealing City Ordinance 09-087 which allowed reclamation of the said areas, and review other ordinances/resolutions pertaining to proposed reclamation projects.

2. Cancel and rescind the Parañaque City Government agreements with All Tech, SM Land and AVESCO

3. Pass a resolution or ordinance declaring a moratorium for at least ten (10) years on reclamation projects or until a through, scientific, transparent, and independent study on the environmental, socio-economic and cultural impact of each project has been completed, with emphasis on genuine consultation and participation of stakeholders - especially those in Barangays San Dionisio, La Huerta, Don Galo, Sto. Niño, Tambo and Baclaran - at every stage of the study.

4. Support the people’s resolution for a national moratorium on the other 100+ reclamation projects.

5. Uphold and implement Proclamation 1412-A and other supplemental laws and resolutions toward the realization of the area for ecotourism, by stepping up efforts to preserve, protect and promote the newly declared RAMSAR site (regular coastal clean-ups, care of the mangroves and bird sanctuary, etc).

6. Honor the social commitment of Pres. Cory Aquino relating to the Parañaque Fisherman’s wharf by strengthening and providing livelihood opportunities and skills training to local fisherfolk and other sectors that derive their livelihood from Manila Bay, gearing them towards the eco tourism path.

7. Exert political will to implement programs that will address the issues causing the current flooding.

8. Implement programs to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote disaster preparedness.

We are not against development, but we are against development that disregards the environment and our heritage as Parañaqueños. We are not against progress but we are against progress if it means that our old town will be sacrificed at the altar of profit for a select few.

We say NO to reclamation, we say YES to genuine development!

In support of this resolution and in unison with my fellow Parañaqueños, I hereby sign my name below: