Quezon NGO seeks wide dissemination of Banahaw bill

LUCENA CITY , Philippines  – A concerned non-government group here in Quezon province seeks wide public dissemination of the Banahaw bill in view of its implication on the life and welfare of the residents around Mt. Banahaw and Mt. San Cristobal.

“I have learned that the Banahaw bill is now awaiting the approval of President Arroyo but many people are in the dark about its contents and the proponents seemingly have forgotten to go around and explain the bill’s implications to those who will be directly affected,” said Hobart Dator, Jr., president of Save Quezon Province Movement (SQPM) which figured in a successful campaign against the province’s split last year.

Dator expressed concerns as to what the law could do to the immediate surroundings and residents of Mt. Banahaw in the light of the recent occurrence of flash floods even in highland areas such as Benguet in Mt. Province.

“The likelihood that flash floods that occurred in Benguet would take place in Mt. Banahaw is worrisome and the lack of awareness of the people about the Banahaw bill does not lessen the people’s fears,” he said.

Dator said his group wanted to know if there is a central body that would be created to oversee and supervise the protection and conservation of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. San Cristobal that cover several towns in both Quezon and Laguna provinces.

“Sometime in 1994 I have proposed to then President Fidel Ramos the creation of Mt. Banahaw Preservation Authority that will take charge of the conservation of Quezon’s legendary mountain. Is there such a similar body to be created by the proposed law for Mt. Banahaw and San Cristobal?” Dator, also founding president of Save Mt. Banahaw Movement, asked.

SMBM was launched in 1995 to instill awareness on the urgent need to save and preserve Mt. Banahaw and to promote it as a tourist destination.  – Michelle Zoleta