ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Pantalan Inter-Agency Committee (PIAC), chaired by Mayor John Dalipe, convened for its first quarter meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, February 25. During the meeting, the committee approved a “Resolution of No Objection” for two shipyards, Varadero de Recodo and Varadero de Cawit, following a thorough assessment of their compliance with required documents.
The resolution was granted after an extensive review of the requirements submitted by the operators of both shipyards, ensuring their adherence to the necessary regulations mandated by various concerned agencies.
In addition to the approval of the shipyards, the 26-member committee deliberated on the recommendation of Task Force Pantalan regarding the issuance of a “show cause order” to several existing ports, shipyards, piers, wharves, and similar structures that were found to be non-compliant during an inspection and inventory conducted on November 20-21, 2024.
Task Force Pantalan had previously issued notices of violation/deficiencies (NVDs) to the operators and owners of these non-compliant structures. The violators were given seven days to respond and justify why their establishments should not be deemed illegal and subject to closure and demolition. However, PIAC’s focal secretariat, Dr. Godofredo T. Oliverio, disclosed that no responses had been received from the violators, necessitating the issuance of “show cause orders.”
Asst. City Administrator for City Affairs Dolph Saavedra, who presided over the meeting on behalf of Mayor Dalipe, assured the committee that he would personally escalate the matter to City Administrator and concurrent City Legal Officer Atty. Wendell Sotto.
Meanwhile, Task Force Pantalan is set to conduct another series of inspections, monitoring, and inventory of all shoreline structures this year to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and proper use of coastal areas.
