P3.9M allocated for Tañon Strait

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has allocated some P3.9 million for the various projects, programs and activities in Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS).

DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso said the budget allocation is intended to advance protected area management, nature conservation and rehabilitation.

Dichoso said that the Protected Area Management Board is preparing to implement programs that would encourage critical cooperation from other stakeholders to protect and preserve all protected areas in Cebu and all neighboring provinces within the region.

Cebu Province alone has 29 protected areas and is considered a great number among all provinces in the Philippines.

Seven special use agreements in protected areas (SAPA) applications also obtained the endorsement of PAMB after they were deliberated, reviewed and evaluated by the respective site management units (SMUs) whose areas are within TSPS.

The seven SAPA applications are: Ecotourism Park and Visitor Center in Samboan, Cebu; Riverbank Protection Facility, and Bangus Culture in Cage of Baha-baha Fishermen Association, Inc. both in Aloguinsan, Cebu; Bangus Culture in Cage, and Wharf Rehabilitation and Extension Project, both in Ronda, Cebu; Campuyo Wharf in Manhuyod, Negros Oriental, Tamuyong River Estuarine and Mangrove Rehabilitation in Negros Oriental.

Special Use Agreements in Protected Areas (SAPA) is a binding instrument between the DENR through the PAMB and may be issued within protected areas except in strict nature reserves and shall be confined only to the management zones of the protected area appropriate for the purpose. —(FREEMAN)