The Cebu Provincial Board committee on laws and review on ordinances has approved a resolution passed by the municipality of Alegria which declared full support for the results of a relocation survey conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) declaring the official boundary between the towns of Alegria and Badian.
The committee found that the resolution was within the prescribed powers of the Sangguniang Bayan of Alegria under the Local Government Code.
It was also in line with Executive Order No. 21, issued by Governor Hilario Davide III last November 5, creating the Alegria-Badian River Tourism Committee, which was geared towards mutual cooperation and collaboration between the municipalities of Alegria and Badian.
The DENR-7 survey, conducted by geodetic engineer James Fuentes, eventually led to a DENR-prepared canyoneering sketch plan for Sulsugan, Badian and Compostela, Alegria.
After receiving a copy of the sketch plan, the Sangguniang Bayan of Alegria passed a resolution last September 19, which declared full support for the result of the survey.
Last October 24, the same resolution was referred to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s committee on laws and review on ordinances “for comments, study, review, investigation, report, and recommendation”.
A hearing attended by members of the provincial board as well as representatives of the DENR-7 was subsequently conducted on November 18.
The PB committee on laws recommends the passage of the resolution before the Provincial Board as it was found to be “mutually beneficial” to the two towns, particularly in the aspect of tourism.
Canyoneering has gained popularity among both local and foreign tourists, with the southern towns of Alegria and Badian at the forefront.
Definitely not for the faint of heart, the activity, by definition is described as traveling in “canyons” using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling (rappelling), and swimming.