An organization expressed opposition to a bill in Congress that would divide and reclassify the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), saying that such a move is “a grave threat to the country’s eco-biodiversity and an assault to our cultural heritage.”

Authored by Pangasinan 1st District Rep. Arthur Celeste, House Bill No. 4995 proposes to divide and declare one of the biggest islands within the HINP as alienable and disposable land and allow it to be used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.

Once approved, the bill will effectively supersede the 69-year-old Presidential Proclamation No. 667 which designates Hundred Islands as a reservation site and makes it a protected area.

“Hundred Islands was declared as a reservation for a reason. It is a wildlife sanctuary and breeding ground for a variety of marine species. It likewise makes possible eco-tourism that benefits not only the local government and the communities, but also local and foreign tourists who are able to enjoy the white beaches, dive spots and caves,” said Jonathan Ronquillo, environment campaigner of La Liga Policy Institute.

Ronquillo further explained that the HINP is part of a network of protected areas all over the country that helps preserve the Philippines’ bio-diversity.

“As it is, government is already providing very minimal support to the many protected areas in the country. The Celeste proposal to ‘chop-chop’ Hundred Islands is a great disservice to the citizens of Alaminos City and Pangasinan and to the environment as well,” he said.

He added that even the local government of Alaminos City and Executive Director Constancio Arciaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Ilocos Region do not agree with the Celeste bill.

Ronquillo hailed local government initiatives which resulted to increased tourist arrivals from 92,000 in 2004 to 200,000 in 2009.