MANILA, Philippines -- Two moderate earthquakes jolted Taal Volcano island on Sunday as the debate over the planned construction of a health spa resort at the volcano’s crater by a Korean company raged on.

Although the tremors alarmed some residents, seismologists said there was no danger of an imminent eruption. The earthquakes, just minutes apart, caused no injuries or damage, officials said.

Hundreds of farmers, fishermen and locals residing around the volcano island are protesting the construction of a high-end spa and wellness center along the scenic volcano.

The bold project by Korean firm Jung Ang Interventure Inc. would encroach on thousands of hectares of farmlands and fishing grounds around the volcano, they said.

Government seismologists are also not keen on the project.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is opposing the plan since it would involve structures that would permanently house people.

Phivolcs relayed its position on the project to the municipal government of Talisay, Batangas, which asked the agency to make a hazard assessment of the spa project.

In an interview, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said the agency had advised against the building of “structures of permanent use, since these will put people at risk.”

He explained, however, that “it is not an issue” for Phivolcs if “ecotourism projects will be developed” at Taal or on any other active volcano in the country. “Viewing decks are okay and are very common,” he said.

But it would be a different matter if structures were built “at the crater” for tourists, customers or workers to stay in overnight or for days, he said.

“Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the country and a permanent danger zone, the main crater being the most dangerous part,” he said.

Taal, a national park, has been under alert level 1 for showing “abnormal” activity since October 2004.

Considered the smallest active volcano in the world, it continuously draws international and local tourists.

“Phivolcs does not encourage the construction of structures for permanent habitation in areas declared as permanent danger zones in all active volcanoes in the country,” he said.

He noted that Taal’s main crater had been “a very high-risk area” which saw destructive eruptions, particularly in 1754 and 1911.

Since 2005, Taal has been showing signs of restiveness.

Taal erupted mildly in 1977, causing no casualties or damage. A strong eruption in 1965 killed about 200 people living nearby.

Sunday’s quakes were felt by local villagers in the early morning. An Intensity 3 quake was recorded at 2:38 a.m., followed by another at Intensity 2 about a minute later.

Protesters, led by the group Samahan ng mga Maralitang Mamamayan sa Palibot ng Lawa ng Taal (Samataal), said the spa project would not only destroy the rich natural resources of the volcano but would also kill the livelihood of more than 6,000 residents of the area.

On Sunday, the group embarked on a four-kilometer trek to the highest point of the volcano in Barangay Looc to call on the government to immediately rescind the disastrous project.

The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has also asked Sen. Jamby Madrigal to initiate an investigation into the planned eviction of farmers on Taal Volcano island to make way for the spa.

“How can a foreign firm get ownership of land when it is prohibited by the Constitution? The land in question is also declared a no-man’s land and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) told them not to build structures there because it is a permanent danger zone,” Willy Marbella, KMP internal deputy secretary general, said in a statement.

“We are talking about an active volcano, that is on permanent level one alert status and any deep diggings may cause it to erupt,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/...rticle_id=73111

I saw and heard this in GMA News the other day. What can I say. This is a stupid business.

TT________________TT
speechless

I've been at the actual crater of Taal once.

It's a thriving tourist spot.

It's surprisingly active, with visible smoke coming out of the cracked soil area around the crater.

loco..

mother nature doesn't want foreign investment

They should name it: "REST IN PEACE Spa, Inc." Nice, eh?

Troll Banned

So far this project lies in an active part of Tall Volcano ! The developer had failed to secure an Environmental Clearance to built permanent structure within the Volcano

honestly i want to see the business plan for this. it should prove to be comical.

LOL.