Groups score move to chop off portion of Hundred Islands

MANILA, Philippines - Environmental organizations are gearing up on yet another battle against what they termed as “a grave threat” to the eco-biodiversity of the country.

Green groups under the La Liga Policy Institute yesterday assailed a move to chop off a portion of the Hundred Islands National Park purportedly to give way to commercial developments. They specifically criticized House Bill No. 4995, authored by Pangasinan Rep. Arthur Celeste (1st Dist.), which supposedly proposes to divide and declare one of the biggest islands within the HINP as alienable and disposable land and allow it to be used for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.

According to the La Liga Institute, the proposed measure, once approved, will effectively replace the 69-year-old Presidential Proclamation No. 667,which designates the Hundred Islands as a reservation site and makes it a protected area. The La Liga Institute is the secretariat of the Alternative Budget Initiative on the Environment, which represents individuals and institutional advocates for public financing for the environment and climate change. Its advocacy includes increased government support for protected areas.

“The Hundred Islands was declared as a reservation for a reason,” pointed out Jonathan Ronquillo, environment campaigner of the La Liga Policy Institute.  “It is a wildlife sanctuary and breeding ground for a variety of marine species.” 

“It likewise makes possible eco-tourism that benefits not only the local government and the communities but also local and foreign tourists who are able to enjoy the white beaches, dive spots and caves,” he also said. Ronquillo asserted that House Bill No. 4995 is “a grave threat to the country’s eco-biodiversity and an assault to our cultural heritage” explaining that HINP is part of a network of protected areas all over the country that help preserve the Philippines’ bio-diversity. 

Minimal support

He likewise lamented that currently, government is already providing “very minimal support” to the many protected areas in the country and to propose the “chop-chop of the Hundred Islands is a great disservice to the citizens of Alaminos City and Pangasinan and to the environment as well.” Ronquillo said that even the local government of Alaminos City and Ilocos Region Executive Director Constancio Arciaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources do not agree with the proposed measure.

“We are eager to find out who are the intended beneficiaries of the Celeste bill,” Ronquillo said, even disclosing that a certain Anthony Sison, an alleged first cousin of the proposed measure’s author, plans to build residential and commercial units in the area. “We hope this bill is not meant to pander to the interests of the privileged few at the expense of communities and the environment,” he said.

Ronquillo noted that local government initiatives at HINP resulted to increased tourist arrivals from 92,000 in 2004 to 200, 000 in 2009; revival of marine life in the Hundred Islands and the entire Lingayen Gulf; and provision of alternative non-destructive livelihoods to fisherfolks, guides, boatmen and park rangers.