Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Military says no to Tuba request
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied donating portions of the military reservation in Mt. Kabuyao, Tuba to the Municipal Government.
Colonel Antonio Bautista of the AFP, in a letter to the Benguet Provincial Board, said the military could not donate the area requested by Tuba officials, saying the site currently houses a relay station that plays a major role in connecting AFP units in the northern provinces.
"Please be informed that the area which is (requested) is the present site of the Kabuyao Radio Relay Station of the AFP, which is a vital communication facility in providing connectivity in the provinces of Ilocos, Abra regions and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Moreover, the AFP needs the area in the expansion of the communication facilities relevant to the AFP modernization," the letter stated.
"Much to our regret, your request for donation or transfer of the area cannot be favorably considered," the letter added.
Tuba earlier asked the Armed Forces to donate portions of the military reservation in Mt. Kabuyao to the local government to be developed as an eco-tourism area. The Board endorsed the request.
The area was reserved for military purposes by then president Diosdado Macapagal through Proclamation 581 issued in 1940.
A portion of the proclamation stated the military site would revert to its original state as part of the Sto. Tomas forest reserve as soon as the AFP ceases to have need for the area. (JC)
