Tuesday, September 16, 2008 DENR sets aside P2.6M for Mt. Apo management
THE chair of the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC), a special committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-Southern Mindanao, revealed that a total of P2.6 million was allotted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the management of the Mt. Apo Natural Park in Digos City.
Neda-Southern Mindanao director Nicasio Angelo Agustin, who also chairs the RLUC, told Sun.Star Davao that this was reported last week during the 4th joint meeting of the RLUC and the Regional Committee on Sustainable Development (RSCD), another special committee of the RDC.
"DENR informed us that it has allotted around P2.6 million for the Protected Area Management Board (Pamb) to improve their capability for the management of the Mt. Apo Natural Park," Agustin said.
He said DENR has also informed the council that it will also spearhead a workshop for stakeholders in Kapatagan, such as local government of Digos, municipalities of Bansalan, Sta. Cruz, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and Certificate of Ancestral Domain title holders to harmonize their responsible management plans for Mt. Apo.
During the meeting, Agustin said the discussion of issues pertaining to the land use and sustainable development of Kapatagan is relevant considering the tragedy that struck Barangay Masara in Maco, Compostela Valley Province.
"RLUC and RCSD directed concerned agencies to continue pursuing recommendations for the restoration and ecological preservation of Barangay Kapatagan," Agustin said.
He added that the recommendations were endorsed by Task Force Kapatagan, an ad hoc body created by RLUC and RCSD, to address the adverse impact of the establishment of agricultural plantations in the barangay.
Barangay Kapatagan is within the Mt. Apo Natural Park, a protected area. (JGRS)
