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Monday, April 3, 2017
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THE Regional Ecotourism Committee (REC) approved the proposal to protect the remaining timberland in Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo.
It was the first action made by the REC, now under the chairmanship of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6.
“We will work in cooperation with the local government unit (LGU) of Carles, Iloilo and the Sicogon Development Corp. to sustain the protection of the remaining timberland or forestland in the island of Sicogon. We are foreseeing a prime ecotourism destination for Sicogon that is balanced with environmental protection and conservation as well,” said Regional Director Jim O Sampulna.
Sicogon Island’s fame began in the early ‘70s, long before Boracay Island became famous. Blessed with white beach and some rocky shores, the island’s unspoiled beauty still attracts many, notwithstanding the transportation in reaching the island. In fact, this was the location of the 1974 hit movie “Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa.”
The remaining 282.83 hectares of forestland in Sicogon that will be declared a protected area is also being proposed to become the new home of the Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) and of the Visayan Tarictic hornbill (Penelopides panini).
During the REC’s first meeting under the chairmanship of the DENR, various ecotourism sites in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo were presented by the respective Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers.
“It was amazing to see how rich this region is in terms of ecotourism sites. Some of those areas shown were a first time for me to see and learn about. I am so glad to know that Region 6 is working towards the development of these areas, not just in economic terms but also with sustainable development that promote environmental protection and conservation as well,” said DENR undersecretary Marcial C. Amaro Jr./PN
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