The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cagayan recently conducted two separate committee hearings tackling priority infrastructure and environmental projects aimed at strengthening connectivity and promoting sustainable tourism in the province.

The Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, chaired by Board Member Kevin Timbas, with Vice Chair BM Romar De Asis and member BM Leonides Fausto Jr., deliberated on a resolution supporting the proposed construction of the Itawes Overflow Bridge in Maguilling, Piat, Cagayan. The committee invited engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 02, including Engr. Kingston Dela Cruz from the Engineering Office, to present technical inputs and updates regarding the project.

During the hearing, discussions focused on the implementation guidelines of the DPWH and clarifications on the process of endorsement—whether the supporting resolution should emanate from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or from the Provincial Development Council (PDC).

Meanwhile, the Committee on Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Management, chaired by BM Vilmer Viloria, with BM Timbas as Vice Chair and BM Romeo Garcia as member, held a separate hearing on the request of the Office of the Governor to authorize Governor Edgar B. Aglipay to apply for a Forest Land Use Agreement for Tourism Purposes (FLAgT) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The FLAgT application covers a one-hectare parcel of forest land situated in Barangay Dadao, Calayan, Cagayan, identified as the proposed site of a Provincial Resort and Hotel Project intended to boost local tourism and create livelihood opportunities.

The hearing was attended by representatives from the DENR, led by Mr. Samuel Tan; Atty. Leonard Beltran from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)–Cagayan; and Mr. Wilbert Gummarad of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO)–Calayan. The resource persons provided legal, technical, and environmental perspectives on the proposed project, stressing the requirements and implications of securing a FLAgT.

The Sanggunian noted that the proposed resort project forms part of the Provincial Government’s broader strategy to harness Cagayan’s natural beauty for sustainable tourism, while ensuring environmental safeguards and compliance with national regulations.

Copies of the old resolution were presented during the session to serve as reference for the drafting of an updated measure aligned with the present administration’s priorities.

The results of both hearings will be consolidated for plenary consideration in the next regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

-AH