All structures built within the Multiple Use Zone of the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) in Cadiz City without clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) will be demolished and charges will be filed against the culprits, Mayor Salvador Escalante warned Thursday, April 13. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently issued a notice of violation and halted the construction of a two-storey concrete house owned by Florante Halipa at So. Pakol, Brgy. Celestino Villacin in Cadiz City.
The structure within the NNNP-Multiple Use Zone was being built without a clearance or permit from the PAMB, the DENR reported.
Escalante convened the Cadiz Local Conservation Authority (LCA) on Thursday to come up with proactive measures to prevent illegal construction activities within the NNNP Multi-Use Zone, and to set guidelines for the conservation of tourism destinations in the city.
The LCA was created through an ordinance. The additional conservation guidelines recommended will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for inclusion in a ratified ordinance, he said.
Roads have opened up 80 percent of the hinterland areas in Cadiz, including one leading to the Pacol Falls that has caused the proliferation of illegal activities, Escalante said.
That is why ground rules need to be set to control and supervise tourism, he said, stressing that the law has to be implemented.
Barangay officials need to be aware of their obligations and prevent illegal construction in the NNNP, Escalante said..
The 100 Bantay Bukid personnel of Cadiz will also be reminded and tasked to report illegal construction activities, he said.
Let the notice of violation against the illegal construction of a house in Sitio Pakol serve as an example to others that charges will be filled, Escalante said.*