Senators support Malapascua bill

CEBU, Philippines - Some senators have supported the proposed bill converting the 136.56-hectare Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan town into a public domain.

This is according to Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, who authored House Bill 3975 declaring certain lands of public domain located in the municipalities of Bantayan, Sta. Fe, Madridejos and Daanbantayan.

The bill would make these areas as agricultural lands open to disposition for agricultural, commercial, residential, tourism and other purposes.

In a meeting with municipal and barangay officials of Daanbantayan held in Malapascua Island, Salimbangon announced that he already got the assurance of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who chairs the Senate committee on environment.

Salimbangon said that he was informed by the office of Escudero that the committee report is now ready for a Senate plenary.

The bill seeks to amend Presidential Proclamation No. 2151, declaring certain islands as wilderness areas dated December 29, 1981.

The fundamental principles in filing the bill are the protection of the island, the preservation and sustainable use of its waters, the prevention of unplanned and unregulated development, and the protection of its marine resources.

Salimbangon said that another bill declaring Malapascua Island as eco-tourism destination is also pending before the Senate.

The lawmaker accompanied Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in visiting Malapascua Island on Monday to review the development plan that was stalled in the past three years.

They were joined by Provincial Board Members Sun Shimura and Joven Mondigo Jr., Mayor Maria Luisa Loot and other town and barangay officials.

Garcia inspected the site for the Malapascua port which will provide permanent docking area for pumpboats transporting tourists and passengers to and from Maya wharf.

She also inspected the proposed circumferential road that will be provided with solar street lamps.

It was agreed that the province and the office of Salimbangon would appropriate P2 million each while Loot also pledged P1 million for the initial purchase of solar lamps.

Logon (Malapascua Island) barangay captain Rex Novabos expressed gratitude to the officials for visiting the island. — (FREEMAN)