Lack of policy keeps water from Camotes

CEBU, Philippines - The lack of standard policy framework on sustainable water source development and management is what keeping Camotes Island from having better water supply.

This was admitted by former Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano who also used to serve as fifth district representative in the House.

 Durano, in a recent candidates’ forum, said that although this has been further addressed, it took time since there is no standard parameter in undertaking projects that push for sustainable water.

But he said that they have always worked on this concern along with other projects for Camotes contrary to claims that the development for Camotes has not been given priority.

Recently, One Cebu Party gubernatorial candidate Pablo John Garcia criticized Durano for not doing anything for Camotes, especially when he was Secretary of Tourism.

Durano said that development in Camotes cannot be made that fast.

“As far as Camotes is concerned, development or progress does not happen overnight. In fact it takes years of consistent and continuous focus and support,” Durano said.

Durano said that millions of infrastructure projects have been poured into the island over the years, both by national and local leaders.

“Just during the six years that I served as Congressman in the fifth district I was able to bring in over a hundred million for the seaports in Camotes, several kilometers of roads, classrooms. This has been done over the years,” said Durano, saying that with all the projects that have been done in the island, it has made Camotes ripe for market opportunities especially for tourism investment.

He said he will further push for a sustainable water source development and management law if the May 13 elections would turn out well for him.

As for power supply, Durano said that it has only been a concern recently with the developments of the island.

“Power consumption is a function of growth,” said Durano, adding that he would make this a priority.

Meanwhile, Durano said that political dynasty is a reality in the country.

“It is not only the Duranos that are political families in this country,” he said, answering a question if the issue on political dynasty is a concern for the development of their respective areas.

Durano said that political dynasty should be well defined first since commissioners who framed the political dynasty provision passed the responsibility to congress because they themselves had a hard time defining it.

“There is no precedent under any democratic system of banning a particular person in running for public office because of a family.”

He added that there are very limited cases when someone is prohibited from running for public office since the principle of universal suffrage is adopted in the country.

He cited that those convicted of a crime is an example of those who cannot run for public office.

“To my mind is it democratic to equate giving a penalty to a person who had no choice because of a family name and a person who was penalized because of convicting a crime?”  (FREEMAN)