ALU-TUCP to give up part of Osmeña Peak

CEBU, Philippines – The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) has agreed to give up a portion its tenurial instrument granted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Osmeña Peak in Badian town.

Arturo Barrit, spokesperson of ALU-TUCP Central Visayas, said it was agreed during a meeting with the officials of Cebu Province, DENR, local government unit of Badian, Dalaguete, and other stakeholders.

“Ang usa ka hangyo sa probinsya nga mosugot ang ALU nga mo-carve out og area within the tenurial instrument granted to ALU,” Barrit said.

Barrit said the area will be within one kilometer radius from the center of Osmeña Peak.

ALU-TUCP is one of the private organizations granted a Tree Farm Lease Agreement by DENR for over 100 hectares in Badian, including the Osmeña Peak. The tenurial instrument, however, will expire on November this year. After its expiration, the DENR will evaluate whether or not to renew the agreement with ALU-TUCP.

Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said that during their meeting yesterday, they learned that aside from ALU-TUCP, there were other individuals granted instrument by the DENR to manage Osmeña Peak.

“I-carve out namo ang Osmeña peak, among na-realize nga there’s an even overlapping of issuance of ternurial instruments, naay claim  ni ALU-TUCP, si Dicdican naa siya'y MOA (memorandum of agreement)  ug Nepomucenos,” Magpale said.

Magpale said that all stakeholders agreed during the meeting to carve out the Osmeña Peak and give its management to the local government.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is expected to issue an executive order creating a management team to manage and oversee the Osmeña Peak.

While waiting for the EO, the vice governor said, Dalaguete Mayor Allan Cesante suggested to make a good development plan for the tourist destination, which is known for mountain climbers.

Magpale said they will immediately start the ground survey in the area after the issuance of the EO. The Capitol’s move stemmed from the accident few days ago wherein a tourist fell off the cliff while doing a selfie. —/FPL (FREEMAN)