6 na Mayor, tutol na ipaalis ang mga gusali sa Northern Negros Natural Park

Summary

The transcript discusses the controversial construction of illegal structures within a protected park area in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros. In 2007, a group attempted to buy land for development, with plans to create a tourism facility. Despite the construction of unauthorized buildings, local authorities, including mayors, were divided over the issue. The video highlights the lack of enforcement of regulations by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ongoing debates within the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), and the challenges in regulating development in protected areas. The issue remains unresolved, with conflicting opinions on legal action and land use.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Green Alert Negros group attempted to purchase a Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) for over three hectares in Don Salvador Benedicto in 2007.
• 😀 The group saw the land near a waterfall as a potential site for a hotel and planned to develop it as a tourist attraction, specifically as a watchtower for the area.
• 😀 They constructed a nipa hut on the land and began staking a claim, despite the lack of official regulation or enforcement by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
• 😀 For over a decade, no action was taken by authorities to remove the illegal structures or prevent further development in the area.
• 😀 Despite the lack of enforcement, the group was not penalized or forcibly removed, highlighting the absence of a clear implementation of laws within protected areas.
• 😀 The DENR has not penalized or removed anyone for building illegal structures in protected areas, and there are still pending cases related to illegal constructions.
• 😀 A vote within the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) in 2014 showed that 34 members opposed the removal of structures within the protected area, while only 11 were in favor, with the governor losing the vote.
• 😀 The governor of the province, despite the board's decision, sought a review from the DENR secretary to determine whether the decision was correct or not.
• 😀 Six mayors, including those from major towns and cities like Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Silay, opposed the construction of illegal buildings within the park, calling it unlawful.
• 😀 The issue has now come under renewed scrutiny by the PAMB, with possible actions to regulate tourism structures in the park. However, past inaction and the influence of powerful figures complicate enforcement of laws.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script?

The main issue discussed is the illegal construction of structures in a protected natural park in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros. These constructions were carried out without the proper permits and approvals from authorities.

Who was involved in the initial land acquisition in 2007?

The Green Alert Negros group, along with local residents, was involved in purchasing land near a waterfall in 2007. The group intended to develop the area for tourism, which led to the construction of structures on the land.

What was the purpose of the constructions on the acquired land?

The purpose of the constructions was to create tourist-related facilities, including a house and a watchtower, with the aim of benefiting from the tourism potential in the area.

Why were the constructions considered illegal?

The constructions were considered illegal because they were built within a protected natural park area without the necessary permits or clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

How long did the illegal structures remain unchallenged?

The illegal structures remained unchallenged for over a decade, with no significant enforcement or action taken by authorities to address the violation.

What action did Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. take regarding the illegal structures?

Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. escalated the issue by bringing the results of a vote by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) to the DENR Secretary for review, seeking clarification on whether the decision to allow the structures was correct.

What was the outcome of the 2014 PAMB vote regarding the illegal structures?

In 2014, the PAMB voted on whether to allow the illegal structures to remain. 34 members voted to allow them to stay, while 11 members opposed it. The Governor, who opposed the decision, sought further review of the matter.

What role did local mayors play in the decision regarding the illegal structures?

Several mayors, including those from Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City, Calatrava, Talisay City, and Silay City, opposed the construction of illegal buildings in the protected area, as they believed it violated environmental laws and regulations.

What is the stance of the current local government regarding the illegal structures?

The local government is now exploring ways to regulate the structures and possibly legalize them through taxation and fees, allowing them to stay within the protected area if they comply with the necessary rules.

What is the main challenge faced by authorities in dealing with the illegal constructions?

The main challenge is the influence of powerful local figures who have been able to sway decisions in favor of allowing the illegal constructions to stay, despite the environmental and legal concerns.