Mayor Khymer Olaso has called for an inventory of Once Islas (Eleven Islands), a protected eco-cultural destination, to determine which areas are titled and not.
Chief of Staff and Secretary to the mayor Celso Lobregat said a meeting is set with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Assessor, City Tourism Office and other concerned agencies to discuss about the inventory.
In line with directives from Mayor Khymer Olaso, City Administrator Percival Ramos led multi-agency inspections of the islands last May to assess security conditions, tourism-related concerns, and infrastructure needs in the area, according to Lobregat.
The inspection followed Mayor Olaso’s meeting with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-9) to address concerns on unregulated development in the islands.
Meanwhile, City Legal Officer Atty. Evangelina Doctolero suggested that District II Congressman Jerry Perez initiate a bill in the House of Representatives declaring Once Islas as a protected area. (CMO-PIO)
Source: City Government of Zamboanga