House set to approve Zambo watershed bill

FILE: The measure was passed on second reading following the strong manifestation of support from majority of the members in the House of Representatives, Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Celso Lobregat,, author of the bill, said on Thursday. (Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The House of Representatives is set to pass on third and final reading House Bill 124 next week after it recently hurdled the second reading.

The measure was passed on second reading following the strong manifestation of support from majority of the members in the House of Representatives, Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Celso Lobregat,, author of the bill, said on Thursday.

H.B. 124 has obtained positive impression from majority of the House members after it passed thorough review in the Committee on Natural Resources when Lobregat refiled it on January 18, this year.

The bill seeks to declare the Pasonanca watershed forest reserve in this city as a protected area under the category of Natural Park and its peripheral areas as buffer zones providing for its management, and for other purposes.

The bill, also known as the Pasonanca watershed bill, was previously filed by former Rep. Erico Basilio Fabian in the 14th and 15th Congress and by former Rep. Lilia Nuño in the 16th Congress.

Lobregat said he refiled the bill earlier this year due to its importance and for the benefit of the residents of this city.

“There is a greater opportunity that this Pasonanca watershed bill will become a law because it pertains to protecting the environment, which is beneficial to all,” Lobregat said.

He noted that LPGMA Partylist Rep. Arnel Ty, House committee chair on natural resources, has seen the significance and vitality of the HB 124, which contributes to the preservation of the one of the seven remaining intact and vegetated watersheds in the country.

“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 Congress all the way to the senate to ensure the protection of our natural resources,” he said.

He said it is necessary to preserve the watershed in order to protect this city’s water source not only for the present generation but also for the future residents of this city. (PNA)