This concerns your press release on the “Palawan board halts ecotourism project” by Edu Punay. First of all, that is not true. There is no such order. The operations continue. In fact a week ago, the First Management Council of Sabsaban Falls was convened to discuss plans and programs for the Brooke’s Point project. It was chaired by the Municipal Mayor, attended by me, the two barangay captains, the IP (Indigenous People) representative of the people employed, a representative from a recognized NGO serving the community near the project area, and the president of the Tourism body of the municipality. The other members of the body are the head of the Sanggunihan Bayan, a member of the Academe (Palawan State University ), a member of the clergy and two more IP leaders from each barangay. Two weeks from now the forest guards who are tasked to protect Mt. Matalingahan and the camp employees will be given training by the military.
Currently the project employs 90 families, 49 of which are forest guard volunteers mandated to protect the forest. The Brooke’s Point Eco-Academy coincides with the goal of PCSD to provide sustainable livelihood for the people while taking care of the environment. The project seeks to pursue ecological awareness among students, residents and tourists. It is therefore puzzling for PCSD to issue cease and desist order in implementing the project when we are in fact fulfilling PCSD’s mandate. PCSD’s attitude leaves much more to be desired. Why are they hindering the welfare of the Palawaneños?