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November 15, 2002
The Honorable Exequiel B. Javier
Region 6, Lone District Representative
Antique, Philippines
Dear Sir:
The Pagtatap Foundation, an organization of native Pandananons, is asking for
your help that is within your power to give. We believe that you have the
understanding, the compassion, the resources, and the capacity to affect
circumstances and effect changes.
The help we are seeking revolves around the implications derived from
President Macapagal-Arroyo's declaration on April 25, 2002, of the Northwest
Panay Peninsula (that covers the municipalities of Nabas, Malay, and Buruanga
of Aklan province and the municipalities of Libertad and Pandan of Antique
province) as a Natural Park.
Ranked as one of the highest conservation priorities in the world based on
the degree of endemism and threat (Oliver and Heaney, 1997), the President's
declaration has ensured the Northwest Panay Peninsula as a Protected Area
pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 otherwise known as the National Integrated
Protected Areas system (NIPAS) Act of 1992. The President's proclamation is
a glaring testimonial that the Northwest Panay Peninsula is a highly
significant piece of land that should be protected and left untouched in its
natural setting. This speck of nature's cloistered indulgence and virgin
wilderness epitomizes nature's way of benefiting earth and man by being:
a) the only source of potable water for the three municipalities;
b) the last significant tracts of lowland rainforest within the West Visayas
Biogeographical Region;
c) a potential for eco-tourism due to the presence of Malumpati and Kenyang
falls that serve as ideal recreational sites with six major caves within the
area;
d) its forests harbor diverse species of both flora and fauna that include
critically endangered birds and mammals unique to Panay Island such as the
Visayan warty pig, spotted deer, and golden-crowned flying fox; the Visayan
tarictic hornbill, writhed-bill hornbill, Negros bleeding-heart pigeon,
Philippine hawk eagle, white-throated jungle flycatcher, Visayan
flowerpecker, and the Visayan water monitor, to name a few;
e) a potential for medicines, foods, fibers, oils, and construction
materials; and
f) according to DENR Secretary Alvarez, the area has been identified as an
Extremely High-Urgent site for conservation of the country's biological
diversity.
As we reflect upon the wonders, richness, and abundance of the lush and
serene landscape of the Northwest Panay Peninsula and its intrinsic and
ecological importance to us, we feel that we are its caretakers with nothing
but gratitude and protectiveness in our hearts. President Macapagal-Arroyo
shared this belief with us and sealed her approval and support by her
monumental proclamation.
The President's gesture has brought forth a crop of hope and excitement in us
who have taken upon ourselves the responsibility to safeguard our precious
heritage. However, good resolutions acted out in the best of motives could
come apart and crumble fast if they are not enforced and just taken for
granted. Due to lack of enforcement, they will assume a hollow ring, succumb
to their natural death, or get swallowed in our real world full of
extortionists and predators.
Consequently, Pagtatap Foundation and the native Pandananons all over the
world adamantly hold on to what was promised in the declaration and will
exact that promise as rendered. Charged with this mission, we will continue
to be vigilant especially because if the current rate of destruction
continues on Panay, it is very likely that many species will be lost before
they are even known to science (Gaulke and Curio, 2001).
This puts into perspective why we object to NAPOCOR's proposal to build a
diesel power plant in Patria. The power plant's potential threats and
long-range destructive implications are frightening. In addition, its
location will be too close to our Peninsula's "protected area," if it's not
already part of it, for comfort. It will be set in our municipality's last
remaining vestiges of unspoiled beaches, vistas and terrain. The irony of all
this is, instead of having been liberated by the President's declaration from
bondage, wanton vandalism and exploitation, we immediately get slapped in the
face by a power plant that will be spitting contaminants and soot right in
our backyard. This encroachment is a form of slavery that reeks of a blatant
disregard for the law, the land, the environment, and the people's right to
live their lives on their own terms, on their own volition, on their own
merit, and in their own safe and secure environment.
Nothing could be made whole again once it's deliberately torn apart, be it a
human being or a place. We trust that you are one of our allies who can help
us turn the tide and shift the focus on preventing rather than on picking up
the remnants of shattered lives, hopes, and dreams. We put our faith in you
because you know how painful it is to lose one's heritage; because you are
the arm of justice for our province and will therefore see to it that our
beautiful Northwest Panay Peninsula remains intact and protected; and mostly
because you are there to give our townspeople the dignity to say, "I'm still
here."
"Justice without power is inefficient; power without justice is tyranny.
Justice and power must therefore be brought together, so that whatever is
just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just." When all the
uncertainties had been stilled and justice has been granted, we will look up
to you with pride, deeper respect and gratitude for having been an integral
part of our struggle to keep democracy and freedom alive.
Very truly yours,
Robert Peter Alojipan, M.D.
President, Pagtatap Foundation, Philippines
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