BRAGANZA UNFAZED

BOLINAO–A resolution has been filed in the House of Representatives directing four committees to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation on the reported construction of dikes and other fish farm structures in the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), a declared protected area.

The resolution directs the House Committees on Natural Resources, on Ecology, Tourism and Aquaculture and Fisheries to jointly conduct the investigation.

First District Rep. Jesus Celeste, backed by the five other representatives from Pangasinan, introduced last week Resolution No. 175, three weeks after the provincial government, through its Task Force Kalikasan, brought the issue to light.

In a press statement, Celeste reiterated his earlier claim that city officials are involved in what he called “deplorable acts” which should be stopped once and for all.

“Even though there are laws protecting the nature and aquatic marine lives so that the people can benefit from the area without destroying its biodiversity and ecological balance, still there are illegal structures put up by unscrupulous individuals who are reportedly being supported by local city officials,” he said.

OPEN BOOK

Earlier, the Alaminos City government, which manages the Hundred Islands through an executive order signed by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, maintained that the only fishpond in the Hundred Islands, covering 46 hectares, is that owned by the Bolodeco Development Cooperative (Bolodeco).

Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza said records can show that the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), which used to manage the HINP, turned over the fish farm area in question to the Department of Agrarian Reform  (DAR), which in turn granted a Certificate of Landownership Award (CLOA) to Bolodeco in 1993.

In a statement last week, Braganza said he and the people of Alaminos welcome the congressional investigation, as the management of the HINP by the city government is an “open book”.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sought the reversion of the 46 hectare area awarded to Bolodeco in a case it filed before the Department of Agrarian reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) but the case remains pending after almost two decades.

In filing Resolution No. 715, Celeste said the destruction of the pristine marine sanctuary and the putting up of fish cages, fencing, illegal fishing structures in the waters of the Hundred Islands are definitely prohibited by law

“We need to stop the rape and pillage of the Hundred Islands, we have identified the culprits and it’s about time we book them and put them in jail,” Celeste said.

The other lawmakers who signed the resolution as co-sponsor are 2nd to 6th District Reps. Leopoldo Bataoil, Ma. Rachel Arenas, Ma, Georgina de Venecia, Carmen Cojuangco, and Marlyn Primicias Agabas.—LM

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