Governor backs plan: Allow ‘multi-use zones’ in that area

According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Western Mindanao (DENR-9) Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Jim Sampulna, who recently visited Bacolod City, owners of illegal structures within the North Negros Natural Park (NNNP) can now apply for classification as a special use agreement of protected area (SAPA) in order to legalize their structures.
“They are illegal because they are in the national park but then they can apply for SAPA,” he explained. “That was my project before I was transferred to Manila—we will just legalize their stay there.”
In 2011, DENR suspended the release of SAPA citing the lack of a “standard rate” to be imposed on applicants.
SAPA allows private individuals or groups to use protected areas covered by the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson offered his endorsement of the plan, saying the area has the potential for development.
“Be more realistic,” he stressed. “Let us already allow multi-use zones in that area in order to even further develop economic activities.”
“Right now, especially during weekends, you can see a lot of visitors in the area,” the governor added. “It’s good that we already have restaurants [and] coffee shops.”/DGB, WDJ