The work-in-progress Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge could be a boon to the economy of Southern Mindanao, making the delivery of goods and flow of commerce more efficient. But local environmental groups also believe that the ongoing project could be harmful to the region’s biodiversity if it proceeds as planned.
Sustainable Davao Movement (SDM) and the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis) are pushing for a realignment of the SIDC project. They expressed support behind the concept of the connector bridge during a press conference on May 21, 2024 in Magallanes, Davao City, but also advocated for adjustments to account for environmental concerns.
Environmentally-Friendly Alternative
The project, as it stands, will lead to the cutting of around 200 trees and the possible destruction of several corals. Lawyer Rome Carbarde, an SDM member and vice chairperson of Amnesty International, urged the local government unit (LGU) to consider a shorter bridge, which would be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
“I believe that there is still a way to assert the realignment of the Davao-Samal bridge, there is a way to safeguard the trees, the environment here in Davao City,” Carbarde said.
Carmela Marie Santos from the SDM secretariat shared their ongoing hope for the realignment of the SIDC, highlighting the support from many concerned Dabawenyos. However, she expressed her disappointment with the actions of the 20th City Council.
“I haven’t seen any positive actions on their part to protect the environment. I mean, the election is nearing. It’s time for us to review who we’re putting in these positions, whether they’re really doing their job,” Santos said.
Legislative Solutions
Carbarde questioned why the LGU claimed it couldn’t intervene because the project has national status. He insisted that the LGU has the authority to act under the local government code. Echoing Santos’ feelings, he urged Davao’s political leaders to use their power to influence the national project and hold foreign contractors accountable for neglecting the welfare of Dabawenyos.
“Section 16, local government units are given the mandate to exercise its powers which are necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare and enhance the rights of the people to a balanced ecology,” Carbarde stressed.
Mark Peñalver, the executive director of Idis, suggested that the LGU could exert its authority by issuing permits contingent upon adherence to local ordinances, like the Heritage Tree Ordinance, to ensure the project complies with local regulations.
“There is ample opportunity for the local government unit to exert their authority, so for them to think that they cannot do anything because it is a national government project is shortsighted and disregards the welfare of the environment and the people,” Peñalver said.
Source: Environment groups push for DavSam Bridge realignment
