CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Fifth District Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano, VI is pushing for the conversion of main arterial roads in the Camotes group of islands into national roads following his move of rationalizing the management of natural resources in the island which is a tourist destination.
Durano said that the House Committee on Public Works and Highways has already approved his sponsored bill converting the main arterial roads in the municipalities of San Francisco, Poro, Tudela and Pilar into national roads.
House Bill 4531 is set for discussion for second reading at the House Plenary.
The main reason Durano cited for filing the bill is for the national government to appropriate funds every year for the maintenance of circumferential roads in Camotes Island.
“With the influx of visitors, importante sad kaayo ang atong road network there,” Durano said.
Durano commended the Department of Tourism for endorsing Camotes Island as a destination resulting to the increase in numbers of visitors.
This also prompted Durano to file House Bill 897 rationalizing the management of the natural resources in Camotes Island and the creation of a management committee to manage the development.
The bill which was already approved by the House last month also seeks to reclassify those areas that can be considered alienable and disposable lands so that these can be developed.
“Importante nga ang development sa Camotes is closely monitored.
We want to retain its pristine resources especially the beaches, the lake. The mayors and residents don’t want the island to become what Boaracay is now, di sila gusto masamok,” Durano said.
Durano is hopeful the Senate will see the bill as important for the development of the island.
The bill was already approved in the Senate environment committee during the chairmanship of former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Durano said he will follow up the status of the bill if there will be another public hearing under the chairmanship of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero so that it will be taken up for second reading in the Senate. — (FREEMAN)