The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its concern on the reported plans to construct a causeway project in Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City which may threaten the preservation and potential growth of the ecosystem in the area.

The ongoing construction of the 2.56 kilometer road embankment and reclamation project gives rise to a list of environmental concerns expressed by the residents themselves. It is said to “withstand disasters and high humidity while also offering protection to nearby communities against erosive tidal actions.”[1] However, residents in Cancabato Bay have reportedly long been opposed to the causeway project for its effects to the water quality and biodiversity in the area.

Additionally, it must be noted that the Cancabato Bay is identified as a protected mariculture park in the area, and is a major source of livelihood for fisherfolk in Tacloban City. In fact, the causeway project may also hinder the restoration of a mangrove forest in the area, which was originally planned by residents as a response to their experiences during Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

While the CHR recognises the importance of infrastructure projects in improving the overall experience of residents and visitors, we highlight the critical responsibility of project developers and local government units in understanding the environmental impacts that these plans may bring to the affected communities, thereby rendering both residents and the environment more vulnerable compared to their status quo.

We take this opportunity to emphasise the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP BHR), which sheds light on the responsibility of both the State and corporations to protect and respect human rights. Particularly, it is important that States “must protect against human rights abuse within their territory and/or jurisdiction […] including business enterprises,” while corporations hold the responsibility to “avoid infringing on the human rights of others and should address adverse human rights impacts with which they are involved.”[2]

The CHR will continue its monitoring in the Cancabato Bay, and investigate if there are possible human rights violations and abuses committed before and during the implementation of the causeway project. Environmental rights are also human rights—and every Filipino has the inherent right to a balanced and healthful ecology, as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

As the country’s independent national human rights institution, we stress that the work dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights calls for a comprehensive approach towards achieving sustainable societies, where the dignity of every Filipino is prioritised when implementing initiatives intended to deliver positive impacts to the lives of all in the context of development. ###

—————

[1] Causeway Project in Tacloban City to Begin Soon, 12 October 2022 https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/news/28315

[2] United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, 2011 https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/guidingprinciplesbusinesshr_en.pdf