TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Dec 10 (PIA)—The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas (CV) has, through a resolution, requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to prioritize the creation of a total of 215 plantilla positions and to allocate funds for the operationalization of the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) in legislated protected areas in Central Visayas.
PAMOs protect and strengthen biodiversity conservation as well as enforce environmental laws, implement forest rehabilitation, protect the habitats, survey registered area occupants, manage ecotourism and update management plans.
The operationalization of PAMOs however, require adequate staffing and resources to ensure their functionality and effectiveness in achieving conservation goals and addressing challenges faced by these protected areas.
Months back, Gov Aumentado as Protected Area Management Board chair, upon the recommendation of the environment technical committee, closed marine recreational activities in Puntod Island or Virgin Island off Panglao, upon receiving reports of corals vandalism and other management issues there.
Aumentado said “until the government can finish the rehabilitation and set up sustainability measures to truly protect the area, then he would recommend for the reopening of the island to tourism activities again.”
That time, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said they only have two dive wardens, that they can not practically monitor each group of tourists.
“Creating these plantilla positions and allocating the needed funds by the DBM will provide the required support to establish and sustain these PAMOs, ensuring long tern viability of conservation efforts in the region,” argues Economic Development Committee (EDC) Chair Melanie Ng, at the RDC full council meeting at Bugnaw Si-e Convention Center, in Anda, Bohol December 5.
As the Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System, which enacted the protection for 10 legislated protected areas in CV, it also directed the establishment of PAMO.
The RDC led by Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado asserted the government’s key role in protecting these areas.
A Protected Area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed through legal or other effective means, to achieve long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.
“Effective management of these protected areas is essential in maintaining ecological balance, supporting local communities that rely on them, and promoting sustainable tourism, which could contribute to the general good of the region,” Aumentado said.
Central Visayas, has 24 protected areas, 10 of which are named in the E-NIPAS, which cover 642,570.73 hectares and encompass 705 barangays.
With just a handful watching over there protected areas, concerned local authorities, note that protecting these from abuse or the impacts of human activity is way beyond their capabilities.
As to the law, the DENR has proposed a staffing requirement of each of the 10 legislated protected areas.
DENR said Tañon Strait Protected Seascape covers 534,589.05 hectares and needs 50 staff complement; Central Cebu Protected Landscape which has 29,062 hectares need 25 staff; while the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument in Bohol with an area covering 13,994.95, needs 20 employees.
Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape has 10,964.6 hectares, and would need 19 to run its management office. Alburquerque-Loay–Loboc Protected Landscape and Seascapes has 1,165.51 hectares and needs 18 staffing complement along with those who would be assigned to the Panglao Island Protected Seascapes.
Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park sits on a 8,016.05 hectares need 17, Camotes Island Protected Landscape and Seascapes covers 1,436.98 hectares need another 17, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers 1,382.29 and needs 17, Talibon Group of Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape covering 6,446.31 hectares needs 17 and Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape has 691.40 hectares and would need 14 to man and operate its PAMO. (RAHC/PIA-7/Bohol)
