A Bacolod contractor has no permit to conduct road clearing work at Sitio Campuestohan in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, that is within the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP), an environment official said Tuesday, May 25.
The Special Use Agreement in Protected Area (SAPA) application of Jerry Sy for the planting of endemic trees and high value crops was approved by the Protected Area Management Board, Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office – Bago City head, said.
However, the road clearing has no permit, it is not covered by the SAPA, he said.
They cleared an old road and expanded it. It is being determined if trees were cut in the process, Gerangaya said.
Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares on Monday ordered a halt to the road clearing work and an investigation.
A meeting of Talisay City, barangay and environment officials was held Tuesday.
Another meeting with Sy is set on Monday, Gerangaya said.
Talisay City Administrator Jonathan Ealdama also confirmed that the road clearing was not covered by the SAPA.
“There is a trail in the area that he expanded, that is why we are investigating if there were trees that were really cut,” he said.
They will probably be meeting with Sy, the DENR and environmentalists’ groups, and may come up with a win-win solution, Ealdama said.
If there is a violation the DENR should file a case , he said.
SAPAs are issued to enable productive use of protected areas as defined under the National Integrated Protected Areas Act of 1992, while maintaining its status as a protective area.
Sy earlier said he is helping residents start a livelihood project in the area that has been approved by the PAMB and has a permit from the barangay.
He could not be reached for comment on the road clearing permit on Tuesday.*