Camotes officials deny opposing reclassification

CEBU, Philippines - The local and barangay officials of the four towns in Camotes Group of Islands unanimously denied report that residents are against the reclassification of the island.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Poro, Tudela, San Fransciso and Pilar passed resolutions supporting House Bill 897 authored by then congressman and now Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Red” Durano VI and its Senate version reclassifying the island from mangrove and forest reserve to alienable and disposable land.

The SB and the Association of Barangay Councils of San Francisco even held a joint session last July 18 to pass the resolution denying the report.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR’s) Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) reported that its survey revealed that the residents are against the reclassification.

The survey whose respondents were community leaders and barangay officials showed that the people are inclined toward protection.

The said survey was reportedly part of the eight-step process required by law before a protected area is de-listed from the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) law.

Town officials and barangay captains of San Francisco claimed that no survey had been conducted nor they received reports from the constituents about the survey.

The resolution also clarified that “the people of San Francisco is inclined to the protection of the municipality’s delineated swamp areas, shorelines, timberlands and watersheds.

Officials of Poro town also asked President Benigno Aquino III to sign the approved bill into law.

The approved measure in the House of Representatives and the Senate is now just waiting to be signed by the president.

Durano proposed the amendments of Proclamation No. 2152 dated December 20, 1981 signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos.

The proclamation declared Camotes Island as mangrove forest reserves thus sale or disposition of lots in the islands is prohibited.

Reclassification as provided by HB 897 would only cover dry lands or the 60 percent of Camotes mangroves and lakes would remain protected areas.

The reclassification of Camotes islands also gives security to owners of real properties and opens various developments.

The island has a great potential for eco-tourism development and the proposal seeks to reclassify to entice investors and allow for any tourism-related infrastructure and to give security and stability to owners. (FREEMAN)