Senate hearing on Malapascua

CEBU, Philippines - The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is set to conduct a public hearing on the proposed declaration of Malapascua Island as an Eco-Tourism Destination of the Philippines.

Committee chairman, Senator Francis Escudero, invited some Cebu officials to the hearing in Manila including Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

However, Garcia sent Provincial Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr. of the fourth district where Malapascua Island is part of.

Former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri sponsored Senate Bill 2477 as counter-part of House Bill No. 1874 sponsored by fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon. When he was first elected congressman in 2007, Salimbangon first filed House Bill No. 2215 which sought for a congressional declaration of Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, Cebu as an eco-tourism destination of the Philippines.

The bill was not acted upon prompting him to refile it in 2010 and the said proposal is now pending before the House Committee on Tourism. In filing their respective bills in both chambers, Salimbangon and Zubiri agreed that Malapascua Island has been heralded as the “Virgin Boracay of the Philippines” and is considered a favorite tourist destination among foreigners and locals alike.

“Tourism is the most potent and valuable industry at present but there is a need to create eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines,” they both said.

To be addressed by the government when the island is declared eco-tourism destination are the issues on marketing, accessibility, infrastructure, product development and transportation of Malapascua Island which would contribute to the success of tourism industry in the country vis-à-vis the preservation of the natural resources, the natural beauty of the island as well as its local heritage.

Within a year from the approval of the bill into law, there shall be created an Eco-Tourism Task Force whose governing board shall be co-chaired by the Congressman and the Governor of Cebu.

The membership of the board shall be composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Health, the private sector, the non-governmental organizations, and the local government units concerned.

The DOT Secretary shall also include in the department’s program the implementation of the law and the funding of which shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act. — (FREEMAN)