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‘There are many PAMBs in the country that are not functioning. This is one main reason for failure of many areas to be protected fully. A good example on an unprotected seascape is Tañon Strait.’
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The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes nature park
People have been asking about this 8,000-ha natural park in Negros Oriental, which in the past was surrounded by controversy. The controversy was about a proposed bill to slice more than half of its area for geothermal drilling purposes opposed by environmentalists. Fortunately, the bill did not prosper.
Another controversy was later created by a former PENRO, who entertained an application for mining sulfur in the park. This proposal was strongly opposed by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) under my leadership. The PAMB maintained that natural parks must be fully protected and not subject to any form of exploitation. For this and other reasons, the PENRO was transferred to another area. Strictly, the PENRO does not have the authority to encourage or even entertain mining operations in protected areas. Transferring an erring official is a light sanction; this official should have been given a heavier penalty.
This case illustrates the importance of the PAMB in enforcing the laws on protected areas. Citizens must see to it that the PAMB does this job well. There are many PAMBs in the country that are not functioning. This is one main reason for failure of many areas to be protected fully. A good example on an unprotected seascape is Tañon Strait.
Even the Balinsasayao PAMB has its share of problems. One of them is the failure of some PAMB members to attend regular meetings. Henceforth, PAMB members who fail to attend at least three regular meetings without valid excuses should be replaced.
The current PAMB of Balinsasayao Park works closely with the Park Superintendent (PaSu), who sees to it that the PAMB decisions are implemented. He reports the actions taken at regular PAMB meetings. The Balinsasayao PaSu works reasonably well. Thus far, he has been able to maintain a good working relationship with local government officials and local communities in carrying out his responsibilities. He was able to identify a certain Julian, who is apparently selling “rights” to forest areas in the Park to “kaingineros.” Cases have been filed or about to be filed against forest law violators inside the Park. But the work does not end there. The PaSu follows through all these cases until the court decision is promulgated. Another report on forest clearing in Malabo, Valencia has been reported to him. Thus far, the main problem in the Park is tree cutting for farming purposes (‘kaingin”). This problem is the concern of local governments as well. After all, people living in mountain barangays are the first to suffer from the effects of deforestation such as floods, landslides, soil erosion, lack of potable water, etc. Forest guards are needed to be deployed in the Park to stop the illegal cutting of trees and to conduct informal education on the values of the Park. The report of the forest guards has yet to be submitted to the PAMB for assessment whether they are succeeding or not.
Another problem is the people living in the Park. Park regulations state they must be relocated. Some dozen families have been relocated to a certain area of the Park where they can temporarily settle. A couple more inside the Park needs to be relocated. But all of them need to be given space outside the Park ultimately, where they can find work and educate their children. The fear of the PAMB is that the present solution is far from adequate, firstly because there is nothing said about the children and grandchildren of these settlers. There is the danger of overpopulation of the section of the Park where they are temporarily allowed to stay. A further concern is that they have generated garbage, which by law should be deposited outside the Park.
Some voluntary aid coming from civic clubs and organizations may eventually be needed to help these settlers build their homes.
All of these problems should be given attention by the PAMB and the local governments if the Park is to be managed well. Now the Park is beginning to earn but is not yet at its optimum earning capacity. To be attractive to visitors, the Park infrastructure and management should be improved. It is also important that the participation of the Philippine National Police be assured to safeguard the Park from all destructive elements, natural and human.
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