Senate wants redrafting of Malapascua bill

CEBU, Philippines - The Senate committee on environment and natural resources asked for the redrafting of the bills that declare Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan town an eco-tourism destination in the country.

This was reported by fourth district Provincial Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr., who represented the Cebu province during the Senate hearing on the proposed bills last week.

Mondigo said it was found out during the hearing that of the 32 declared eco-tourism sites in the country, Malapascua Island is not included although it is considered as critical area.

Senator Francis Escudero, the committee chairman, reportedly said that there is really a need to include Malapascua Island as eco-tourism site.

Like other eco-tourism areas, Escudero suggested that creating a governing body for Malapascua Island must be included in the proposed bills.

Former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri had sponsored Senate Bill 2477 as counterpart of House Bill No. 1874 sponsored by fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon.

Salimbangon’s bill seeks for a congressional declaration of the island as an eco-tourism destination of the country.

The original proposal stated that within a year from the approval of the bill into law, an eco-tourism task force shall be created whose governing board will be co-chaired by the congressman and the governor.

In filing their respective bills, Salimbangon and Zubiri said that Malapascua Island has been heralded as the “Virgin Boracay of the Philippines” and is considered a favorite tourist destination.

Mondigo said that the next Senate hearing is scheduled for the second week of May.

Meanwhile, the local government of Argao will tap young people as tourist guides to strengthen their cultural tourism.

In a monthly meeting of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) held in Argao, public information officer Engracia Birondo said they are forming the Argao Youth Heritage Society (AYHS) to help the town become historical and cultural tourist site.

“We are developing the youth to become the pillars in promoting the historical tourist attractions the town has to offer, Binondo said.

Created in 2008, the AYHS is composed of young Argaoanons that possess huge potentials and abilities to become effective tourist guides.

Birondo said members of the AYHS are trained at an early age.

“These youths at the same time can value their local history and point to the many different historical sites as well as tourist spots of Argao,” Birondo said.

Argao is also known for its religious antiques, some dating back to the 15th century.

The Museu de la Parroquia de San Miguel houses antique statues made of gold, silver, and ivory as well as other religious symbols like wooden altar and tabernacle.

The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 -11:30 a.m. and 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. but it also caters to visitors by appointment on weekdays. – (FREEMAN)