A local business association has formally opposed the proposed 705-million-peso cruise port development in Puerto Galera, citing legal compliance issues and environmental issues in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The White Beach Business Owners Association (WBBOA) submitted a position paper to LGU officials arguing the project should be suspended until proper legal requirements are met and comprehensive environmental assessments are completed.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) awarded the P704.55-million contract to Premium Megastructures Inc. in February, with the project designed to accommodate large cruise ships in the popular tourist destination.

However, WBBOA President Maria Cristina Sibayan and other officers identified several procedural issues in their formal submission, arguing the project lacks proper legal foundation.

“Can the Cruise Port Development Project proceed without prior consultation and Sangguniang Bayan approval as required under Section 27 of R.A. 7160?” the group asked. They also questioned: “Does the absence of port zone delineation affect the project’s legal compliance?”

The position paper states: “To date, no comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted, and public consultation has been minimal.”

The business group particularly pointed out environmental risks to the area’s sensitive marine ecosystems.

Puerto Galera is part of a 23,200-hectare UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that includes coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds critical to world biodiversity and fishing villages.

“WBBOA recognizes the potential benefits of sustainable tourism infrastructure but stresses that any development must: Comply fully with legal requirements, Protect fragile environmental ecosystems, and Safeguard the livelihoods of local communities,” the position paper says.

The group warns of specific environmental threats from the project: “Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are highly sensitive and vital to biodiversity.”

They cite potential impacts including “siltation and sedimentation affecting coral reefs” and “loss of seagrass beds that serve as fish nurseries.”

“More than 2,000 local fisherfolk, resort employees, and small business owners rely directly on the health of Puerto Galera’s coastal and marine environments,” the position paper notes.

The association argues that “short-term economic gains from cruise ship operations cannot outweigh the long-term socio-economic costs of environmental degradation,” and adds that “sustainable development must ensure both economic growth and protection of community livelihoods.”

In August, Puerto Galera Sangguniang Bayan wrote to PPA demanding transparency on approved port boundaries and environmental impacts before the project proceeds.

The business association’s position paper concludes: “Puerto Galera’s natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and community welfare must guide any development. WBBOA firmly believes that sustainable growth is possible, but only through careful planning, full legal compliance, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.”

Their formal recommendations include “temporary suspension of the Cruise Port Development Project until all legal, procedural, and environmental requirements are met” and “comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including cumulative impact studies and transparent, participatory public consultations.”