Gov Pax seeks DENR-LPP support on environmental concerns
by Jovy Samson
Isulan, SK (4 July) -- Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax S. Mangudadatu seeks nationals’ intervention on major environmental concerns that directly affect the province as one of the country’s food-basket.
Recently at the tourist island of Bohol, where the 10th General Assembly meeting of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) was held, the first Sultan Kudarat Muslim Governor appeals support from DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes through LPP on the protection and development of the Kabulnan River Watershed Forest Reserve, the immediate cancellation of Sagittarius or Western Mining Corporation mining permit and the impartial investigation of the multi Indigenous People (IP) complaints against IFMA concession in Sultan Kudarat.
Gov. Datu Pax Mangudadatu told DENR Secretary Reyes that 116, 000 plus hectares Kabulnan River Watershed Forest Reserve, despite of its presidential Proclamation 241, remains denuded and if continuously neglected will certainly affect the supply of water for irrigation primarily tapped for 13, 000 hectares service area of the Kabulnan River Irrigation System.
Gov. Mangudadatu said that the second largest watershed in Mindanao shall be urgently rehabilitated to help sustain the province and eventually the nation’s food supply. This calls for forestry and environmental funds to be poured to watershed’s development and management in the province.
On the Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) existence leased by the Consunji Company versus the various Indigenous People tribes of Sultan Kudarat, Gov. Mangudadatu stressed to DENR Secretary Reyes to impartially and legally look into the Ancestral Domain conflict and settlement in the framework of equitable social justice as the main “ingredient” to attain genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao.
League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) President Bohol Governor Erico B. Aumentado indorsed these Sultan Kudarat’s environmental issues and concerns to DENR Secretary Reyes, which the Secretary on the other hand uprightly forwarded such concerns to his Undersecretaries and some regional directors with him attending the LPP General Assembly at the Bohol Beach Club, Panglao, Bohol.
The LPP conference held in the famous tourist destination, religious and loving people, and nation’s peaceful place, under the chairmanship of Bohol Governor Enrico Aumentado who at the same time the chairman of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) focused its conference on environmental concerns, the nationwide festival of Excellence of the Knights of Rizal (OKR) and Local Government best practices in fiscal and financial management, among others. (PIA 12) [top]
