BISLIG CITY – The city government here appealed to the Regional Development Council (RDC) in the Caraga Region to help ensure the protection and preservation of “Tinuy-an Falls” which is allegedly threatened by illegal logging activities.

The whole city officialdom led by Mayor Alberto A. Tan also asked the RDC to help them strictly enforce the forestry laws, rules and regulations around “Tinuy-an Falls” – the habitat of Philippine Eagle and other bird species to warrant bird watching in the area.

The city government also asked the RDC to support House Bill 801, “An Act declaring Tinuy-an Falls as a National Park, appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes.

The bill was sponsored by Bislig City Rep. Florencio A. Garay.

“We are very much concerned about this falls because this is the center stage of our city and more tourists, both foreign and domestic, are continuously visiting the area,” said Tan.

The appeal developed after this city hosted the 60th RDC meeting last week in Mangagoy here.

Northeastern Mindanao National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Carmencita S. Cochingco, officer-in-charge of the RDC Caraga, presided the meeting.

During the full council meeting, a total of 18 RDC resolutions were passed, endorsing seven projects and adopting eight policies or policy recommendations.

Officials of the host local government here were given an opportunity to raise issues and concerns needing RDC action.

Aside from “Tinuy-an Falls,” among the critical issues discussed was the improvement of transportation network in the city whereby specific road sections for construction or rehabilitation needing support or assistance were detailed and acted upon by concerned agencies.

Representatives from German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and International Labor Organization (ILO) were also present to brief the council regarding its on-going projects in the Caraga Region.