ECO-TOURISM , ANSWER TO ILLEGAL FISHING,LOGGING IN SIBUYAN -- YLAGAN
By Romblon Today Staff
Perpetou B. Ylagan, Congressman Lone District of Romblon, is batting for the conversion of the intire island of Sibuyan into eco-tourism zone to provide local residents alternative sources of livelihood, instead of engaging in illegal fishing and logging. This is a move Ylagan proposed to Congress, when this body was still in session.
In a house Bill No. 1989, which Ylagan filed last August 2, 2001, the Department of Tourism is mandated to establish an extension office in the municipality of Cajidiocan to develop and promote the eco-tourism potentials of the island, in line with the thrust and policies of the present Administration under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.Ylagan said, "Sibuyan island has been identified as one of few centers of plants diversity in Asia and the Pacific, aside from being home to many native, rare and endangered species of birds, mammals and reptiles", and he wants said island to be opened to 'foreign tourist, scientist and invironmentalist who desires to savor the scenic wonders where 70 distinct species of plants and 130 birds are found. This is also the home of the only existing specie of fruit bat in the world.Some local residents however are restive about this plan to make Sibuyan an eco-tourism area because "it might expose the island to unnecessary degradation of the invironment". But the good Congressman, to allay their fears, explained that "there is no way illegal loggers can ravage your resources since the national Government has already declared the island as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas Program or NIPAP.He is hoping this measure will generate more visitors and tourist from all over the world through joint eco-tourism projects of the national and provincial government.In another development, Congressman Ylagan gave Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos(P4.5M) to the provincial Government for the erstwhile projects while he was the Provincial Chief to Governor Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona for PBC Pipes for Barangay Waterworks Project, Fiber Glass Boats for Coastal Resouce Management program and Planting materials for the integrated Agri-Program of the office of the provincial Veterenarian, Dr. Paul M. Minano.