Local government units (LGUs) should lead in the management and regulation of activities in marine sanctuaries, not private business operators, said Cebu Provincial Board (PB) Member Arleigh Sitoy.
Sitoy, who is at odds with his father, Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy over a floating restaurant managed by Koreans in Gilutongan Island, said he would introduce amendments to a 2007 Cebu province ordinance on marine sanctuaries.
The younger Sitoy made the statement after minor violations were noted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in the restaurant identified as an ‘eco-tourism project” of Cordova town in Gilutongan Island.
PB Member Sitoy said the local government unit (LGU) should involve the barangay in operating the eco-tourism facility so the locality can benefit directly from it.
“The barangay should be given the preferential option to manage sanctuaries and if ever the management is given to the private sector, it should be given to Filipinos,” he said in a text message to Cebu Daily News.
The entity managing the sanctuary should also provide an environment guarantee fund, he added.
In Cordova’s case, South Korean group Hei Yang Sports Inc. pays P400,000 a month to the town for use of the floating ramp and restaurant located a few metres from the marine sanctuary.
When environment officials did a site inspection last Nov. 11, they noted three violations — lack of a notice board showing its ECC, failure to submit a work program for tree planting, and lack of a permit to operate its air generator. Each violation can draw a P50,000 fine.
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