Mayor Edwin Reyes of Bansalan told all barangay chairpersons within the town of Bansalan to strictly implement and prohibit the construction of ten new buildings within the designated areas under its jurisdiction until further notice.
Based on Executive Order No. 21 Series of 2024, Reyes recognized the significance of preserving the Mt. Apo National Park and protecting the rights of cultural communities within the ancestral domain.
“As the stewards of the environment, we have the responsibility to ensure sustainable practices and prevent degradation of these protected areas,” he said.
Reyes also said that the investigation of the Senate on Mt. Apo is in aid of legislation to address the exploitation of the country's protected areas.
He said that to protect the integrity of Mt. Apo and the cultural communities within, it is a must to enforce a temporary prohibition on new construction in these areas.
Reyes ordered all barangay chairs to conduct regular inspections and surveillance to ensure compliance with this prohibition.
He stressed the need for collaboration with the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Municipal Planning and Development Office, and the Office of the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) for guidance and technical assistance in the implementation of this order.
Reyes ordered all barangay chairs to conduct regular inspections and surveillance to ensure compliance with this prohibition.
He stressed the need for collaboration with the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Municipal Planning and Development Office, and the Office of the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) for guidance and technical assistance in the implementation of this order. (RVC/JSGD/ Davao del Sur)