{"id":3343,"date":"2025-03-18T10:31:29","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T02:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/?p=3343"},"modified":"2025-12-13T23:07:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T15:07:09","slug":"nocci-champions-shoreline-protection-project-in-dumaguete-council","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/nocci-champions-shoreline-protection-project-in-dumaguete-council\/","title":{"rendered":"NOCCI Champions Shoreline Protection Project in Dumaguete Council"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers led by President Edward Du, presented its position paper on the proposed DPWH Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project during the regular session of the Dumaguete Sanggunian Panglunsod. This key development marks a significant step forward in protecting the city\u2019s coastal ecosystem and enhancing its resilience against environmental risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"449\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"449\">NOCCI Backs Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project in Dumaguete Council Session<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"781\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by its President Edward Du, took a proactive stance in advocating for environmental resilience by formally presenting its position paper on the proposed <em data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"711\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em> during a regular session of the Dumaguete City Sanggunian Panglunsod.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"783\" data-end=\"1161\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This significant engagement highlights NOCCI\u2019s growing role not only in economic development but also in environmental advocacy. The <em data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"957\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em>, initiated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), aims to fortify the city\u2019s coastal defenses against erosion, flooding, and climate-related threats, while preserving marine biodiversity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1631\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In his presentation to the council, President Du underscored the project&#8217;s strategic importance for Dumaguete City, pointing out its potential to safeguard both economic and ecological assets. \u201cThe coastal zone from Looc to Piapi is not only a residential and recreational area\u2014it is a critical barrier against rising sea levels and storm surges. We commend the DPWH for taking a forward-looking approach with the <em data-start=\"1577\" data-end=\"1618\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em>,\u201d Du stated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"2051\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">NOCCI\u2019s position paper outlined specific recommendations for ensuring that the project is implemented with careful environmental planning and in consultation with affected communities. The chamber emphasized that long-term sustainability and inclusive development must guide all phases of the <em data-start=\"1926\" data-end=\"1967\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em>, from engineering design to community engagement and post-construction maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"2053\" data-end=\"2400\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stakeholders from both the public and private sectors were present during the session, including city officials, environmental advocates, urban planners, and business leaders. The chamber\u2019s participation signals a collaborative shift in how infrastructure projects are discussed\u2014placing equal weight on environmental, social, and economic factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2758\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In particular, NOCCI called for rigorous environmental impact assessments and urged the local government to ensure transparency in the selection of contractors and implementation partners. \u201cWe believe this project can serve as a model for climate-resilient infrastructure if it is executed with integrity, innovation, and inclusive participation,\u201d said Du.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"3111\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The <em data-start=\"2764\" data-end=\"2805\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em> is expected to include a combination of engineered sea walls, mangrove restoration, and public access spaces that promote eco-tourism and community recreation. NOCCI praised this integrative approach and encouraged local planners to include green engineering techniques that complement natural ecosystems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3549\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">During the session, concerns were raised about the potential displacement of informal settlers and the impact on local livelihoods. In response, NOCCI proposed the formation of a multi-sectoral oversight committee to ensure that these concerns are addressed proactively. The committee, as envisioned, would monitor the progress of the <em data-start=\"3448\" data-end=\"3489\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em> and provide a platform for continuous stakeholder dialogue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"3551\" data-end=\"3967\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">NOCCI Executive Director John Jalandoni also weighed in on the importance of public-private collaboration in implementing such large-scale infrastructure. \u201cNo single entity can address the scope of coastal protection alone. Through the <em data-start=\"3787\" data-end=\"3828\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em>, we have the opportunity to demonstrate how collective action can build climate resilience and protect community welfare,\u201d Jalandoni said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"4278\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Experts have warned that Dumaguete City remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly sea level rise and extreme weather events. The <em data-start=\"4129\" data-end=\"4170\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em> is therefore seen as a timely and necessary investment in disaster risk reduction and urban sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"4280\" data-end=\"4592\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">NOCCI\u2019s push for the project aligns with its broader advocacy to support development initiatives that balance economic growth with ecological integrity. Over the years, the chamber has expanded its scope beyond commerce to become a key voice in policy development, infrastructure planning, and community welfare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"4594\" data-end=\"5053\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As the Dumaguete City Council prepares to deliberate on the project\u2019s approval and implementation framework, the support of groups like NOCCI will be crucial in securing funding, public trust, and long-term project viability. President Du concluded the chamber\u2019s presentation with a call for shared responsibility: \u201cLet us protect what protects us. The <em data-start=\"4947\" data-end=\"4988\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em> is not just a government initiative\u2014it is a community lifeline.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: justify;\" data-start=\"5055\" data-end=\"5377\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With the support of NOCCI and other stakeholders, the project is poised to become a flagship model of sustainable urban planning in Negros Oriental. As Dumaguete moves forward, the success of the <em data-start=\"5251\" data-end=\"5292\">Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project<\/em> may well define the city\u2019s ability to adapt, thrive, and lead in coastal resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers led by President Edward Du, presented its position paper on the proposed DPWH Looc-Piapi Shoreline Protection Project during the regular session of the Dumaguete Sanggunian Panglunsod. This key development marks a significant step forward in protecting the city\u2019s coastal ecosystem and enhancing its resilience against [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3344,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":82,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42,44],"tags":[243],"class_list":{"0":"post-3343","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-environment-climate-change","8":"category-infrastructure","9":"tag-looc-piapi-shoreline-protection-project"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3343","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3343"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3343\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3343"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3343"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nocci.biz\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3343"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}