At the rate the House of Representatives is passing measures declaring certain areas as eco-tourism sites, the whole country might just end up one big area dedicated to ecological projects and tourism promotion.
Just before the present,17th Congress adjourns, the chamber approved on third and final reading House Bill 8726 declaring the islands of Nagarao, Naboctot, and Guin-Awayan in Placer, Masbate an ecotourism zone.
HB 8726, authored by Rep. Scott Davies Lanete of Masbate and former Davao City Rep and now Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles, is just one of the half a dozen or so bills approved by the Lower House led by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The Arroyo-led House leadership believed that the conversion of these areas into eco-tourism zones will result in the faster development of the areas involved.
Lanete said “considering that it is the policy of the State to undertake the sustainable development of the environment simultaneously with the right of the people to a healthy and balanced ecology.”
“It is imperative that the national government provides the needed care and attention to the Island of Nagarao and its surrounding islands,” he added.