14/06/2020
Mt. Guiting Guiting (Mt. G2) has extremely high endemism. It houses:
-700 plant species (54 of which are endemic to the island)
-130 bird species (102 of which are either presumed or known to be breeding residents
-9 non-flyingj terrestrial mammal species
-9 fruit bats species (1 of which is endemic)
-9 species of lizards and geckos
We stand to protect Mt. G2. Sign the petition now!
https://www.bataris.org.ph/petitions/stop-national-road-construction-at-mt-guiting-guiting-natural-park-1
We, the people of the province of Romblon, together with all other concerned, in behalf of Sibuyan Island's flora and fauna and the generations yet unborn, express grave environmental concern for the inclusion in the 2020 General Appropriations Act of the construction of Magdiwang-San Fernando Cross Country National Road.
The implementation of this project will be in contrary to the General Provisions of the 2020 GAA, specifically Section 26 (c) which says: “The planning and construction of all infrastructure projects to be implemented within the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) are done in a way that eliminates and minimizes the risk of biodiversity loss while the specifications thereon are in accordance with those determined by DPWH, in coordination with DENR. Major infrastructure projects may only be taken in said areas if intended to enhance biodiversity.” The project is a blatant violation of our constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. It is also a violation of Republic Act 11038 otherwise known as “Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018" and Proclamation No. 746 Series of 1996 which declares Mt. Guiting-Guiting as a protected area.
We demand those concerned to:
1. STOP the construction of the PHP 95 million Cross Country National Road Project across Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park (from Barangay Jao-asan, Magdiwang, to Barangay España, San Fernando).
2. INVESTIGATE the inclusion of the project in the 2020 General Appropriations Act without any feasibility study or proper consultation with agencies as the project was already previously halted by DPWH itself.
3. PRIORITIZE and fund the unfinished infrastructure projects such as the circumferential and farm to market roads, bridges, ports and airport.
Sign the petition here:
https://www.bataris.org.ph/p/protectG2