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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Capitol to take over protection of Malapascua
The government agreement that turned over authority over Malapascua Island from the environment department to the Municipality of Daanbantayan will be amended on May 31, this time putting the power on the Cebu Provincial Government.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the move to take away authority from Daanbantayan was “upon the request and has the full support of” town officials, who recognize that they have no sufficient resources to fully implement an action plan for the island or manage its protection.
She is also expected to issue tomorrow an executive order creating the task force on Malapascua.
The task force will implement the eco-tourism development plan for the island, which is famous for its white sand beaches and dive sites where thresher sharks are found.
Late last April, Garcia visited Malapascua and was surprised to see that the island was dirty and no longer as beautiful as when she visited it before she became governor.
Signing
With the agreement that will be signed next week, the Capitol will see to it that “all manners of degradation seen on the island” will be addressed, such as dynamite fishing and garbage.
The Cebu Provincial Government will also take care of the development of a watersource in the island and infrastructure such as port and circumferential road.
“The Province will now step in and will be the lead agency. But the municipality will still be represented in the task force by its mayor, so Daanbantayan will continue to assist the province in its activities,” she told reporters in yesterday’s press conference.
On May 31, during the signing of the amended agreement, Garcia will also present an overview of the action plan that the Capitol wants to implement on the place.
“Then I will go to Malapascua and will have an announcement (to make),” she said, but did not elaborate.
A big issue on the island is the planned implementation of a 30-meter easement zone, which is meant to move back resort structures from the seashore.
Most of the 22-member resort association will be affected with the plan. Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot has been pushing for this. (JPM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (May 24, 2006 issue)
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