Daan o Hadlang: An Analysis of the Effects of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) Segment 4 on Fisherfolk in Bacoor City

Abstract

The Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) Segment 4 is an expressway built on top of reclaimed land along the waters of Manila Bay in Bacoor City. This study aims to identify the purpose why the project was constructed, its effects on the fisherfolk of Bacoor, the responses of the fisherfolk to these effects, and the mitigation strategies of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). This study employs a qualitative case study and interviews four fisherfolk and one key informant from the PRA via a semi-structured questionnaire. Data are then analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings of the study show that the project was pushed through because the plan was crafted since the American occupation, and the Philippines and Malaysia saw the project as a venture in which the latter can help the former. Aside from these, the PRA’s objectives are to decongest traffic through an alternative road and to promote economic development in Cavite. Moreover, findings of the study reveal that the expressway produced political, environmental, economic, and sociocultural effects on the fisherfolk. As a reaction to the negative impacts, the fisherfolk devised political and socioeconomic responses. Finally, the study also shows that the government created mitigation strategies in the form of programs (LSDTP) and projects (GAD Center) for the relocated residents in Kawit. As for their strategies to other impacts, they necessitate a scientific study validating the correlation between the project and these impacts before they address the issues presented to them. The researcher recommends the government to expand programs and craft nationalist, scientific, and mass-oriented policies for the fisherfolk. The public is also enjoined in standing with the fisherfolk and for the environment. Future researchers are also encouraged to look into the topic of reclamation in other local cities.