Sunday, March 16, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
[ Negros ] THE Protected Area Management Board (Pamb) is now preparing for their takeover on the administration of one of most attractive tourist destinations in the province, the Lake Balinsasayao.
Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia said he worries with the continued illegal cutting of trees in the area.
Lake Balinsasayao, regarded by environmentalist as an extensive rainforest ecosystem and one of the centers of biodiversity in Negros Island, is most accessible in Sibulan town.
The lake is a natural park that is home to 180 species of dipterocarp and nondepterocarp trees, 113 species of birds, 27 mammals, 49 amphibians, and reptiles.
Renacia said he is expected to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Protected Area Management Board (Pamb), which he said would participate in the management of the Lake Balinsasayao park.
The mayor said it would be better for the national government to oversee the natural park to preserve its naturalness and beauty, and to sustain operations.
He said his worries started when a certain Isidro Sotillo was arrested during a joint operation between the personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local Philippine National Police (PNP).
Under the management of Pamb, the responsibility of the local government unit (LGU) will be technically removed particularly on management and administration.
The mayor clarified that it should be a joint effort by both the local and national government to maintain the natural park.
Earlier, the town's council had pushed for an ordinance giving security to the tourist spot, but the same was disapproved by the provincial board since they said it is then partially managed by Pamb.
The mayor lamented that even though they have the full knowledge of the massive illegal cutting of trees, they could not do anything to strictly enforce the law since they have limited power in managing the lake. (Edmund B. Sestoso)
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