Implement eco-tourism plan now

CEBU, Philippines - The barangay captain of Logon (commonly known as Malapascua Island) in Daanbantayan, Cebu is appealing to Capitol officials to apply the eco-tourism development plan as soon as possible.

 Rex Novabos expressed fear that the impending reclassification of the island from timberland into agricultural land could further put the provincial government in a difficult situation in implementing the projects.

 House Bill No. 1941 authored by Cebu fourth district Representative Benhur Salimbangon is now pending before the Committee on Natural Resources.

 Salimbangon told The FREEMAN yesterday that they are waiting for the final report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

 Once reclassified, lots in Malapascua Island will be titled and it will go through expropriation proceedings, should the government use it for projects, and would be obliged to pay just compensation to the owners.

 “Hope makita na ni Governor (Hilario Davide III) na scenario. Di man pud maka-question ang (municipality of) Daanbantayan ug sila’y (Capitol) mo-implement kay kwarta man sa province,” Novabos said.

 He also pointed out that the provincial government is the lead agency to supervise the development based on the memorandum of agreement entered into by the different local government units and agencies responsible in the crafting of the Malapascua Island Eco-Tourism Development Plan.

 Novabos also expressed apprehension that the plan of the municipal government of Daanbantayan to implement the establishment of police headquarters and outpost in the island would just delay further the project.

 Aside from the lack of manpower, Novabos said the municipal government cannot prioritize the project considering the huge rehabilitation projects in line after super typhoon Yolanda hit the island.

 Novabos is sitting as ex-officio member of the Municipal Council being the president of the Association of Barangay Councils and belonging to the opposition bloc.

 Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro is allied with Davide in the Liberal Party while Novabos is allied to One Cebu-National Unity Party.

 “Wala na lang na’y labot ang politika, ang sitwasyon nalang mao’y tan-awon. Politicking is out of the question! We simply need the projects!” Novabos added.

 The Cebu provincial government has already set aside P5 million for infrastructure projects stipulated in the MIEDP that has been stalled for several years.

 The fund will be used for the construction of a new disaster preparedness multi-purpose building in Malapascua Island, which includes police outpost, health center, and tourist assistance office, among others.

 The P5 million, which will be charged against the Capitol’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund, also covers the opening of the five-kilometer circumferential road.

 The Barangay Council, led by Novabos, earlier asked Davide to implement, at least, the components of the MIEDP “necessary for the development of Malapascua Island into a world class tourist destination.”

 The MIEDP was crafted in 2002 during the term of former governor Pablo Garcia.

Davide said he recently approved the updated MIEDP which includes the promotion of a community-based tourism and marine conservation, where residents are engaged in protecting corals, mangroves and practice solid waste management. (FREEMAN)