Alcala urges Pres. Aquino to amend NIPAS law

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Former DENR secretary Angel Alcala yesterday urged President Benigno Aquino III to amend the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 for residents of Apo Island to benefit from the tourist destination's funds.

"When protected areas like Apo Island earn money, these funds are remitted to the Philippine Treasury. But when the money is in there, withdrawing it can be very difficult," Alcala said during a forum organized by Silliman University (SU) and international environmental group Greenpeace.

Alcala said he has talked to Negros Oriental representatives Henry Pryde Teves (third district) and George Arnaiz (second district) about the matter. "In fact, they already made a proposal to amend the NIPAS act, but Teves said that it hasn't been approved until now," the former environment secretary said.

He stressed, however, that when the proposed amendment is signed, care must be taken in order that the funds from Apo Island will be allocated and used solely for the benefit of the marine sanctuary and its locals.

"Although it won't fix the damage of Apo Island's coral reefs, the money will somehow improve the lives of the residents," Alcala said, adding that the funds can be used to pay people who will guard the sanctuary, and possibly to expand the protected area.

Alcala also noted the significant damage that typhoons Sendong and Pablo brought to Apo's coral reefs. "We leave it up to nature. However, we must also take care of the reefs and its components like the fish, so they won't leave the sanctuary," he said, adding that he is optimistic that the coral reefs will "ultimately go back to normal. (FREEMAN)