Proposed infrastructure projects in the province of Batanes were endorsed during the Joint Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting of the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Council (RDC2) held on May 29, 2024 at the Batanes State College Amphitheater, Basco, Batanes.
These projects include farm-to-market roads, municipal fish ports, breakwater, seawall, local office buildings, and a Level 3 water system. These were endorsed to the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture, and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, respectively for evaluation and funding.
During the meeting, environmental concerns that affect the implementation of development projects in the province were also tackled. Batanes Governor Marilou H. Cayco requested the assistance of the Council and the concerned regional line agencies in facilitating the resolution of issues that impede project implementation.
The issues raised by the Governor are related to the required permits and licenses with regard to sand quarrying for household consumption, procurement of chainsaws, and the Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) for infrastructure projects because the province is covered under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) law as a protected area.
DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan committed to personally discuss the issues raised with the DENR Central Office. “We will do complete staff work,” she said.
Similarly, EMB Regional Director Nelson P. Honrado assured full assistance in the processing of required clearances for the issuance of ECC.
Batanes Congressman Ciriaco B. Gato Jr. expressed his commitment to work with the Provincial Government of Batanes in pushing the development of the province to improve the quality of life of all Ivatans.
RDC Chair and Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III presided over the meeting. Also in attendance were Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela V. Remigio and Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose V. Gambito.