The Sangguniang Bayan of Virac has already repealed its resolution that it approved earlier this year endorsing the proposed Agro-Industrial Economic and Processing Zone (AIEPZ) and Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) Park of the Catanduanes State University.
According to an official source who requested anonymity, the municipal council revoked Municipal Resolution No. 2024-03-198 during its 28th regular session last July 9, 2024.
It cited as basis the findings of the local government unit’s technical personnel during its review and evaluation of the Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) submitted by the university as well as discrepancies in the land holdings of the area set aside for the ecozone and KIST Park.
The annulled resolution, which was approved on March 11 this year upon CatSU’s request, was submitted for approval to the office of the local chief executive but the latter manifested the need for the university to submit copies of the LUDIP and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for appraisal by the LGU.
Mayor Samuel Laynes told the council that the LGU has its own regulatory guidelines with respect to land use and spatial development and sought a deferment of the resolution’s approval pending submission of the documents.
The technical review uncovered a “number of discrepancies and irregularities” on the development plan of CatSU’s landholdings, including the fact among the lots declared for the ecozone and KIST Park were those which have adverse claims or has private owners.
It noted that among the minimum documentary requirements of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) prior for endorsement of the proposed ecozone for Presidential Proclamation is proof of land ownership confirming the applicant’s authority to use the land for the purpose.
The LUDIP stated that the landholdings of the university had been classified as “institutional” which it said can be used for educational and commercial purposes “provided that said uses are aligned with the educational mandate of CatSU.
LGU technical personnel, however, disagreed with the contention, pointing out that while Municipal Ordinance No. 2017-02 reclassified as commercial a 40-meter strip along both sides of the national highway from Francia to Bigaa, it excluded those classified as parks and recreation, institutional zones, and Strategic Agricultural and Fishery Development Zone (SAFDZ).
The allowable uses for an Institutional Zone, it was emphasized, does not include those intended for commercial purposes.
The review likewise recommended verification with the Department of Social Housing and Urban Development (DSHUD) with regards to the proposed commercial establishments within the school campus as it would not conform with the university’s land use.
It is not the first time that the Virac SB has issued a similar resolution, No. 2021-11-338, endorsing the priority project of CatSU President Patrick Alain Azanza.
On Nov. 16, 2021, during the term of then Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento, the SB passed Resolution No. 2021-11-327 interposing no objection to the infrastructure projects of CatSU, particularly the construction of KIST Park and a commercial complex.
A week later, another resolution was approved, this time endorsing the proposed establishment of the CatSU ecozone.
Eight months later, in July 2022, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) granted the university’s application for its proposed KIST Park covering an area of 48,200 square meters
On May 10, 2023, Pres. Azanza led the groundbreaking for the ecozone and KIST Park, with PEZA chief Tereso Panga, Gov. Joseph Cua, Cong. Eulogio Rodriguez and Mayor Laynes as among the guests.
Strangely, on Feb. 20, 2024, a university official requested the mayor to issue a “Certificate of No Objection for Not Conducting a Public Hearing on Environmental Impact Statement” as required by the EMB for the issuance of an ECC for the KIST Park.
On the same day, that official inquired with the Sanggunian if it could certify that the 2021 resolution endorsing the twin projects was still valid and in effect. At the same time, he requested that the certification indicate that the land area for the KIST Park be stated as 47,523.41 square meters.
The 2021 SB endorsement covered 64.91 hectares at the CatSU Main Campus and 44.92 hectares at Palnab Research Facility and Eco-Tourism Park.
Acting on the matter, the Committee on Zoning and Land Use chaired by Councilor Hazel Isidoro informed the university on March 4, 2024 that the request for a certification as to the validity and enforceability of Res. 2021-11-338 has been tackled by a joint committee, which then inquired whether there has been a revision or amendment in the LUDIP containing the proposed establishment of the ecozone and KIST Park.
But a week later, on March 11, the Sanggunian passed Resolution No. 2024-03-198 endorsing the projects, indicating that the KIST Park would be built in a 4.58-hectare area within the campus.
It is this measure that Mayor Laynes would later return to the council unsigned, citing the discrepancies identified during a technical review.
In a letter dated Mar. 22, the chief executive said he is deferring approval of the resolution pending availability of the documents.
Following up on the measure, the CatSU president himself appeared before the joint committees on April 26, defended the twin projects which he said would benefit the local economy. He asked for the updated confirmation from the SB stating that the resolution of endorsement passed during the time of Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento is still valid.
A member of the Sanggunian told the Tribune that the endorsement resolution approved during the previous administration, while still valid, is no longer enforceable as it does not reflect the sentiments of the present membership of the municipal council.