By EUGENE ADIONG
BACOLOD City — Salvador Benedicto Mayor Jose Max Ortiz said he will go to court if the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) orders the demolition of structures at the multiple-use zone of Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP).
“Any demolition will [lead to] loss of livelihood for my constituents and loss of income for the town,” Ortiz claimed.
He said he has no problem with the prohibition of building structures at the “strictly prohibited zone,” where there should be no human activity.
But “the multiple-use zone is covered by a forest land use plan approved by PAMB,” he said. “We feel that we should be the ones to regulate all structures there.”
A court petition, said Ortiz, is the only measure left to protect the interests of his town.
He lamented that cease and desist orders were issued for structures in Salvador Benedicto but not for those in other towns and cities with territories within NNNP.
He admitted, however, that he will be helpless once PAMB, the protected area’s administrator, orders the demolition.
With a total land area of 80,454.50 hectares, NNNP straddles the cities of Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay and San Carlos, and the towns of EB Magalona, Toboso, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto and Murcia./PN
