Capitol eyes foreshore areas eco-tourism sites
LINGAYEN–The provincial government has formed a special task force to draft a policy proposal for the development of the province’s foreshore areas.
Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan said Governor Amado Espino Jr., in his capacity as special Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, formed the task force as part of the plans for economic growth in a sustainable and environment-friendly way.
He said its first step is to delineate the foreshore areas so to determine the activities in the areas at present as basis for a comprehensive plan for the development of these areas into ideal eco-tourism zones.
So far, the task force has already discovered the indiscriminate issuance of tax declaration certificates to individuals and groups and certifications on alienability and disposability of these areas.
Responsible for the irregular issuances are the assessor’s offices, possibly in collusion with some personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), according to Baraan.
The task force also noted the proliferation of illegal structures in foreshore areas without building permits and environmental compliance certificates from the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR.
“The intention here is to prevent the wanton abuse of administrative authority and misuse of administrative procedures, and allow us to effectively plan the development of foreshore areas as an eco-tourism program,” Baraan said.
SAN FABIAN CASE
When asked whether it would mean a move against illegal settlers occupying foreshore areas, he said, “the settlers will be the major beneficiaries of the program”.
Baraan cited the town of San Fabian where the foreshore areas, including the 20-meter salvage zone, have been occupied by swarms of illegal settlers.
He added that the policy guidelines that will be drawn up by the task force will be presented to the DENR for adoption nationwide.
The task force is composed of representatives from the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices in Western, Central and Eastern Pangasinan, Philippine National Police and the Maritime Police.–LM
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
