By MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL
March 15, 2012, 4:42pm
The manifesto stated that all those who support development in Aurora will serve as “main actors” in pushing for change and progress and also uphold the people’s social rights to have decent jobs, orderly lives, a peaceful society, a healthy and balanced environment and progress responsive to social justice.”
Roberto Mathay, APECO president and chief executive officer, said the manifesto is not only an expression of support for the ecozone but also a show of unity and cooperation for peace, respect for human rights and the progress and development of the province.
“APECO signifies nothing but the growth and development of Aurora and in the course of developing the province, we go through lawful processes,” he said.
Prior to the signing of the manifesto, Mathay explained that while proponents of the ecozone intend to develop the town and northern Aurora, this will not go beyond what is allowed by law.
Meanwhile, religious and other groups led by Fr. Joefran Talaban are organizing Internal Solidarity Mission (ISM) to call for international and local support against APECO.
“With the on-going plans of creating the eco-zone of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) from 500 to 12, 427 hectares, covering more barangays in the municipality of Casiguran—farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples’ leaders and residents of the said municipality have repeatedly raised concerns against its expansion,” the anti-APECO group said in a statement.
The group is calling for the repeal of Republic Act 10083 (amended version of the RA 9490) renamed as the “Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO)”.
The anti -APECO movement fear that there would be massive land grabbing activities once the APECO project starts.
Source: http://mb.com.ph/node/354385/aurora-economic-zone-gain
