Provincial officials will hold a public consultation Tuesday (August 18, 2025) on a controversial cruise ship terminal project that was halted last month over alleged environmental and permit violations.

Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor announced the 1:30 p.m. hearing at Puerto Galera National High School, inviting residents, government agencies and civic groups to discuss the P704-million peso project.

The consultation comes three weeks after Puerto Galera Mayor Robinhood Ylagan ordered construction crews to stop work on the terminal, citing alleged missing environmental clearances and LGU permits.

Ylagan’s cease-and-desist order targeted contractor Premium Megastructures Inc., demanding it halt tree cutting and earthworks at the Sitio Hondura site in Barangay Poblacion.

The mayor accused the contractor of proceeding without required Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) and municipal building approvals.

The dispute has bared tensions over the project’s environmental impact in Puerto Galera, known for its pristine coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

Vice Mayor Rocky Ilagan, who endorsed the terminal when he served as mayor, recently called for a legislative inquiry, saying no public consultations were held with residents and fishing communities before construction began.

The planned terminal would include a rock causeway, concrete trestle and pier designed to accommodate large cruise vessels visiting Oriental Mindoro’s premier tourist destination.

Environmental issues have centered on potential damage to Puerto Galera’s marine ecosystem from construction activities and increased vessel traffic.

The area is considered a diving hotspot but faces growing pollution threats from tourism development.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) awarded the February contract to Premium Megastructures as the lowest bidder for the 780-day construction timeline.

Tuesday’s consultation is the first formal public hearing on the project since work began earlier this year.