LINGAYEN—Maps from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) will be used by the provincial government as a reference in its effort to settle the longstanding boundary disputes with the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Alfonso Bince Jr. said representatives from the provincial board, including himself, will go to Nueva Vizcaya then Benguet to try to settle the issue with the use of the maps.

If the parties fail to come to an agreement, the SP will then seek court intervention.

Governor Amado Espino Jr. has given instructions to expedite the settlement.

The SP approved on July 8 two resolutions expressing the “sense of urgency” to finally resolve the boundary disputes and authorized Bince and Board Members Ranjit Ramos Shahani, Danilo Uy and Clemente Arboleda to initiate discussions with officials of the two provinces.

Another resolution was also approved authorizing the governor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the NAMRIA for the availment and use of analogue and digital cover maps of the province of Pangasinan for references in the dispute as well as for development planning and program management.

The boundary dispute with Nueva Vizcaya concerns Barangay Malico, a highland area in San Nicolas town which is being eyed by the provincial administration to be developed as a tourist spot.

Tagged as “Little Baguio” for having a temperate climate like Baguio City, it is being claimed by the municipality of Sta. Fe.

The dispute with Benguet involves six villages including Barangay Alibeng in Sison, Pangasinan where the Northern Cement Plant is located, which is being claimed by Tuba in Benguet.– Johanne R. Macob

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