Ocampo, chairperson of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee made the statement following the entry of some trekkers/hikers on October 13 at the trekking site in Barangay Tagurano, Toril District this city without proper communication. Councilor Bernie Al-ag was among the group of trekkers.
Accordingly, Al-ag still proceeded to hike the trail despite being prevented by members of the Bantay Bukid.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Area Management Office (DENR-PAMO) in May 7, 2024 issued a cease and desist order (CDO) barring trekkers from entering the said area.
Ocampo in his privileged speech during Tuesday’s (Oct. 22) regular session of the city council said the area was part of the watershed areas of Davao City and covered by the Watershed Code of Davao, City Ordinance No. 0675-21, Series of 2021 or An Ordinance Regulating Recreational Activities Within Watershed Conservation Areas of Davao City for the Protection, Conservation, Preservation of the Natural Environment; the new CLUP; and Mt. Apo National Park – Protected Area Management Office (MANP-PAMO).
“I appeal to this esteemed body, that as legislators, we should set an example to the people of Davao City by being law abiders. To borrow the words of our well respected and veteran councilor, Pilar Barga – Law makers should not be Law brakers,” Ocampo said.
The area is also part of the PAMB or the Protected Area Management Board and covered by the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) act.
According to Ocampo, these policies and laws were the basis of Punong Barangay Camarillo to disallow trekkers from entering the trekking sites inside Barangay Tagurano. In fact, he said some of the policies were also the basis for the DENR to implement the CDO to establishments operating without permit from line agencies within MANP.
A total of eight establishments have been issued a CDO namely; Seven Eleven, Angle View, Land of Peace, Lantaw Dabaw, Campo Rasta, Battlefield, Capitol, Quiboi and Walaway.
City Ordinance No. 0675-21, Series of 2021, section no. 5 states the enforcement of the said ordinance stipulates that all old and new trekking site in environmentally critical area should have prior approval from the Watershed Management Council which is headed by our City Mayor by way of a resolution.
Under the ordinance, the Barangay Watershed Management Council (BWMC) under the Punong Barangay of the area shall formulate and implement measures in order to establish a security outpost, provide information of the regulations under this Ordinance prior to the recreational activity, and introduce measures for the strict enforcement thereof.
The (BWMC) or the Punong Barangay may require a duly designated individual to accompany the visitors during the visit to ensure compliance of this Ordinance.
The BWMC concerned shall identify predetermined trails and shall put up necessary signs for the information and safety of visitors to the area. The existing trails and any proposed trails for recreational purposes inside Conservation Zones shall be submitted to the Watershed Management Council of the City for approval.
The WMC also issued Resolution no. 3 on May 2021 Prohibiting trekking activities in watershed areas in Davao City. However, just recently the Davao city LGU applied with the DENR to designate a trekking area in Tagurano in order for hikers to enjoy our natural environment within our strict protection zone.
However, this application, Ocampo said, will undergo a strict, rigorous process and that will take quite some time to be approved.
Pending approval of this application by the DENR, the trekking site in Tagurano shall remain closed and the business establishments to cease their unlawful operations.
Meanwhile, Al-ag said he was there in the area to conduct consultation to those business owners that were ordered to cease operation.
His said he visits Barangay Tagurano purposely to provide services and consult with residents affected by the area's closure.
Al-ag said there were no signs prohibiting trekking. He explained the tarpaulin posted only indicated the closure of the establishments, not the route itself.
Majority Floor Leader lawyer Joseph Zozobrado in a recent Aprubado sa Konseho media forum said that as lawmaker and as a leader he should set an example to everyone.
“This should serve as a warning to everyone regardless if you are a public official or not to follow laws and ordinances,” Zozobrado said.
The Barangay Tagurano Council in their Facebook account appealed to officers and residents to obey and respect the law that has been issued by the concern agencies.
Davao City First District Councilor Tek Ocampo