House natural resources committee backs Zambo’s Pasonanca Watershed bill
ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 9 (PNA) -- The House Committee on Natural Resources has approved and recommended the passage of House Bill (HB) 124 otherwise known as the Pasonanca Watershed bill authored by First District Rep. Celso Lobregat.
Lobregat on Thursday said the committee, headed by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, recognized the significance and vitality of HB 124, which contributes to the preservation of one of the seven remaining watersheds in the country today.
Lobregat said the concurrence of the committee to HB 124 is very timely because the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD), which manages the watershed, is in the process of developing its facilities to protect and preserve the vegetated watershed of this city.
“We all very well know that the preservation of our watershed is very important, that’s why I am seeking the immediate approval of this (bill) in the House all the way to the Senate to ensure the protection of our natural resources,†Lobregat said.
Lobregat filed HB 124 last January 18 seeking the declaration of the Pasonanca Watershed Forest Reserve as a protected area under the category of natural park.
Lobregat said the measure was necessary to preserve this city’s watershed cover in order to protect the water source not only for the present generation but for the future residents of the city.
The bill also expanded the coverage of protection to include the periphery of the watershed for better management of its land area and providing additional buffer to this city’s water cover.
Lobregat expressed optimism that HB 124 will get equal support from his colleagues and also the Senate “so it can finally be enacted into a law.†(PNA)
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