Politically Motivated Rally vs Espino

Cause Oriented Groups visited a mound of black sand in Lingayen, Pangasinan

By P.I.O

 LINGAYEN - “Everything is politically motivated.” This was said by Provincial Administrator Rafael F. Baraan after few political detractors rallied yesterday at the Maramba Boulevard here against the alleged widespread illegal quarrying operation in Pangasinan. “Hindi naman environmentalist yang mga ‘yan. Sila yong mga kagawad na tumututol sa magandang project ng probinsya,” Baraan said as he disclosed that complaint was already submitted in the ombudsman yet the group insists to conduct rally without necessary permit elsewhere primarily to catch media attention. “Nagtataka kami bakit hindi nila nirirespeto yong Ombudsman at patuloy pa rin sa kanilang complain.
 Dapat hindi na yan pinag-uusapan kung saan-saan kasi nasa korte na yan.
Dapat hintayin na lang nila,” the provincial administrator disclosed as he noted that the provincial government is awaiting result of the complaint. Baraan said that the province had stopped the initial development of the eco-tourism zone site after the complaint was filed in court.
 “It is obvious that their motive is purely politics,” Baraan noted as he further added that the provincial government is working hard to usher in the needed progress and development for Pangasinan yet few political foes resulted to dirty tactics just to ruin the good name established by the present administration as proven by the various remarkable accomplishments gained over the past five years. The provincial administrator also cleared that the provincial government will not sacrifice the welfare of the environment and the people just for personal gain.
On the issue that the dismantling operation against illegal structures conducted by the present administration has resulted to loss of income opportunity for marginalized fishermen, Baraan concluded “hindi totoo na nawalan sila ng hanapbuhay ang totoo, hindi lang sila nakikinabang ngayon para magamit ang ilog bilang personal property nila.” Pangasinan was cited as two-time Likas Yaman awardee for the year 2011 and 2012 for its river clean- up project and mangrove rehabilitation and a hall of fame awardee for Best LGU-Coastal Resource Management Implementer (Provincial Category) in 2008, 2009 to 2010. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernatdino)