Saturday, October 06, 2007 Mayors' move to protect Apo slap on Arroyo: Laviña By Grace L. Plata
THE move of three North Cotabato executives to preserve Mt. Apo is a "slap on the face" of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Councilor Peter Laviña said Thursday, in reaction to a Sun.Star report about the mayors of Kidapawan City, Makilala, and Magpet in North Cotabato signing a declaration of understanding to protect the county's highest peak while they were at the Yosemite Mountain in California, USA.
"Three local government executives vowed to promote the conservation of Mt. Apo and protect its watershed and indigenous communities, clearly opposite of Malacañang's idea of converting portions of the sacred mountain into a special economic zone," Laviña said.
The report said these local executives -- Kidapawan City Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco, Makilala Mayor Onofre Respicio, and Magpet Mayor Efren Pinol Sr.-- vowed to protect the biodiversity of Mount Apo Natural Park by developing plans and creating effective coordination mechanism towards its protection, preservation, and development.
Also, the three promised to provide the necessary support and assistance within their respective capacities and in accordance with their powers and authorities as provided by law to protect the mountain.
Laviña earlier said the president's plan is not viable as it would cause conflict among the indigenous people in the area as well as destroy the peak's natural ecosystem.
