‘Green’ groups oppose splitting of Hundred Islands

11/22/2009

Environmental groups have expressed opposition to a bill in Congress that seeks to split up and reclassify the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), saying the move is “a grave threat to the country’s eco-biodiversity and an assault to our cultural heritage.”

Authored by Pangasinan province 1st District Rep. Arthur Celeste, House Bill 4995 proposes to divide and declare one of the biggest islands within the HINP as alienable and disposable land and allow it to be used for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.

Once approved, the bill will effectively supersede the 69 year-old Presidential Proclamation 667, which designates the Hundred Islands as a reservation site and makes it a protected area, the group said.

“The Hundred Islands was declared as a reservation for a reason. It is a wildlife sanctuary and breeding ground for a variety of marine species. It likewise makes possible eco-tourism that benefits not only the local government and the communities but also local and foreign tourists who are able to enjoy the white beaches, dive spots and caves,” Jonathan Ronquillo, Environment Campaigner of the La Liga Policy Institute, said.

Ronquillo said the HINP is part of a network of protected areas all over the country that helps preserve the Philippines’ bio-diversity.

“The Celeste proposal to ‘chop-chop’ the Hundred Islands is a great disservice to the citizens of Alaminos City and Pangasinan and to the environment as well,” he said.

Ronquillo said even the local government of Alaminos City and Executive Director Constancio Arciaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Ilocos Region opposed the Celeste bill.

He hailed the Pangasinan local government’s initiatives which have resulted in increased tourist arrivals in the province, from 92,000 in 2004 to 200,000 this year, as well as its revival of marine life in the Hundred Islands and the entire Lingayen Gulf and its provision of alternative non-destructive livelihoods to local fishermen, guides, boatmen and park rangers.

“We know that (Alaminos) Mayor Nani Braganza has worked hard to protect the Hundred Islands, particularly in his successful programs to stop illegal fishing and to rehabilitate the marine eco-system. We do not want all these positive developments to go to waste,” Ronquillo said.

“We are eager to find out who are the intended beneficiaries of the Celeste bill. We hope this bill is not meant to pander to the interests of the privileged few at the expense of communities and the environment,” he added.

La Liga Policy Institute is the secretariat of the Alternative Budget Initiative on the Environment, which represents individuals and institutional advocates for public financing for the environment and climate change. Its advocacy includes increased government support for protected areas. PNA

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