THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has returned the area clearance application for the reclamation component of a proposed international seaport in San Fernando town in Cebu. DENR-Central Visayas Regional Director Gilbert C. Gonzales, in a letter dated Sept. 17, 2018 to port developer Ruben Feliciano, said the application documents failed to comply with the recommendations of the Land Management Bureau. A memorandum dated June 8, 2018 issued by DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Juan Miguel T. Cuna ordered the suspension of the processing of Mr. Feliciano’s application until compliance of recommendations of the LMB. “With the aforementioned directive, please be informed that this Office can no longer proceed with the processing of your application until compliance of the recommendations of the LMB Acting Director,” read Mr. Gonzales’ letter. The recommendations include the submission of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC); evaluation and concurrence of the Biodiversity Management Bureau; and settlement of issues with the fishermen in the affected barangay, among others. Mr. Feliciano has proposed to build a multi-million international port at Barangay Sangat. — The Freeman

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