NegOcc guv asks SP to settle Talisay-Silay boundary row

BACOLOD CITY ,Philippines  — Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said he will reiterate his order to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to settle the dispute between the city governments of Talisay and Silay regarding the territorial boundary in Barangay Patag.

The long-standing dispute between the two cities was brought up again during the Northern Negros Natural Park Management Council (NNNPMC) meeting Thursday at the Provincial Capitol wherein one of the agenda was the eco-tourism development in the barangay.

"I am asking the provincial board to decide on the matter," Marañon said.

Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano, who attended the meeting, said they have a proposal to develop Barangay Patag into an eco-tourism destination, which the NNNPMC has also approved.

Those from the Talisay City government, who were also at the meeting, opposed it, although in the end they were "outvoted."

Silay's tourism and development program for Barangay Patag has been stalled because of the problem, Montelibano said, and he is hoping this will be decided upon by the SP soon.

However, the governor added the Silay City government is willing to push through with the program.

Montelibano said the Talisay City government can just go on with their opposition, because in the event that the Talisay City government wins the case, "which is very unlikely," Silay City government will just turn over the income of the eco-tourism development to the Barangay Patag council.