Congressman bats for re-classification of Camotes lands

CEBU CITY, Philippines - A Cebuano congressman is pushing for the re-classification of lands in Camotes Islands’ as alienable and disposable to spur development in the area. Rep. Ramon “Red" Durano VI (Cebu, 5th district) said he hopes that House Bill (HB) 1100 will pass third and final reading in the present Congress. The bill passed second reading during 13th Congress. Durano filed the bill with recommendation from the Department of Natural Resources (DENR). The proposal seeks to re-classify 60 percent of Camotes to allow for the promotion and development of eco-tourism. “Camotes is ready (for development). The infrastructure is there," Durano said, adding that the circumferential road around the island is well-maintained. He said that because of Camotes’ present classification as a timberland area, development projects of local leaders there could not be implemented. Camotes is composed of island towns of San Francisco, Poro and Pilar. Local government leaders in Camotes want to develop the area into an eco-tourism destination. Durano assured, though, that he has consulted the DENR in the drafting of the bill, which ensures that lakes and mangrove areas will remain protected. HB 1100, he said, will also provide for the management of the islands’ natural resources to avoid its destruction. Durano also mentioned the need to improve access in going to the islands. He said tourists should be able to go to Camotes “the whole year round." At present, one has to travel by boat to reach Camotes, but sea travel can be dangerous and is often suspended during bad weather. The airport in San Francisco was rehabilitated two years ago, although the facility can only accommodate chartered small aircraft at present. In earlier reports, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority board made a study and evaluation on how the San Francisco airport can be improved to bring in more tourists to Camotes. Aside from Camotes, Durano is also looking into the improvement of mass transportation for the entire fifth district of Cebu. He said there is a study on the possibility of setting up a metro rail transit (MRT) system that would link Danao to Metro Cebu. Funding for the project is also being looked into, he added. He also said that the ongoing North Coastal Highway project will also improve access to the northern towns. – Sun.Star Cebu