Catmon town's Mt. Kapayas to be declared protected area

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government is now eyeing to declare Mt. Kapayas in Catmon town in northern Cebu as protected area.

This after concerned citizens reported that a number of visitors are going to the area to pick wild plants.

In a Sugbo News report, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has met tourism stakeholders in Catmon where she learned that some tourists have been visiting the area for a certain purpose.

The governor took note of the plant called "bagiang” or “badyang” or the Giant Taro which is under the plant family of Biga or Elephant Ear, now trending in online selling during pandemic.

“Specific ni kay daku kaayo ang interest aning badyang, daghan gyud kaayo. Now, is it illegal? Amo ning i-clear, it will be illegal kung protected area nga kuhaan aning badyang busa importante nga kaning Mt. Kapayas ma-preserve in its purity,” Garcia quoted as saying during the meeting last a week ago.

For residents in the mountain area, this kind of plants is considered as grass as this is abundant in far flung and mountainous areas.

But during the pandemic online sellers post this kind of plants which can be purchased for at least P300 and above depending on the size.

The governor will ask the Provincial Board to pass a measure declaring Mt. Kapayas as protected area in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Mt. Kapayas is the second highest peak and one of the key biodiversity areas in the Province of Cebu.

The mountain, which is also known as Torre Peak, is famous among trekkers and those who love adventure since it offers a breathtaking view from the mountain top. —GMR (FREEMAN)