A Capitol exec has asked the DENR to look into how in heaven’s sake can anybody apply for a title of an islet in Panglao, considering a titling policy for smaller islands.
The owners accordingly fenced off the islet, which has a sandbar that has caught tourists fancy and one which moves with the whims of the time and tide.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2000-083 says small islets 500 hectares are strict conservation and should these islets be leased before the effectivity of the DAO, these are to continue until the lease expires and should not be renewed.
This positive development came just in time, considering that Panglao is finally getting braver, showing more bones than those who must.
With its recent push for sustainable environment in the island town and its islets, Panglao local officials, can’t play politics with the environment: its goose that lays the golden eggs.
Of course, guarding its seas is a challenge for Panglao, which has just awakened from stupor, feeling sore and dirty after conscience-less divers whose idea of beauty is that which they can only keep, have endlessly raped their seas.
Look no further off the islets of Gak-ang, Puntod and Balicasag.
Just at the government acquired lots to comprise the new Panglao airport, some wise Capitol guys who keep the vital information which lands are within the airport complex design couldn’t get their hands off the cookie jar of profits.
But too many cooks spoil the broth.
If Capitol could pore into the trivialities of what Panglao LGU has ably pored into, why can’t it start its own Sherlock Holmes into these guys.
You see, the problem with a good credit when you’re on top is that its gets to you first. Never mind those who slaved for that glory.
Our challenge to Capitol, drop the crap, go for the neck of those in your walls who enriched themselves from the knowledge they are sworn to keep. Let Panglao do its job, they are on track.
Going after the prospectors should be a good lesson if you could go beyond the slap on the wrist.
This is breach in public confidence and when it happens, it’s almost always a heaping serving of administrative and criminal charges.
But, Capitol is unlike Panglao. So, maybe Panglao can also show the way for Capitol?
