ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Lower House has approved, during its second reading, House Bill (HB) 422, “An Act establishing the Pasonanca Watershed Forest Reserve located in this city as protected area under the category of Natural Park and its peripheral areas as buffer zones."

According to Rep. Erico Basilio Fabian (2nd District, Zamboanga City), if HB 422 is passed into law by this 15th Congress, it will be a milestone for future generations here in the city and a legacy for the youth.

Fabian claimed that the approval of the House committees on natural resources and appropriations paved the way for its approval on 2nd reading.

The measure gets final House approval on its third and final reading scheduled next month once the 15th Congress resumes session, he said.

If approved on third reading, the bill now goes to the Senate where a counterpart measure will be enacted and submitted to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, chaired by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri for deliberations and approval.

If Senate approves within the 15th Congress, it goes to Malacañang, where President Aquino finally approves and decrees it into law.

Fabian said elevating the watershed area into the category of Natural Park is necessary as this will help protect both the flora and fauna of the reserve where several species of both plants and animals are reported to be in a critical state of extinction.

The area also plays host to the vast Zamboanga City Water District water cover – the extensive forest reserve which keeps the water surface flowing even during the hot dry summer months providing much needed water to the city.

As this developed, Fabian vowed to follow the bill’s passage when he returns to the House next month.

Congress is currently on recess after concluding its 1st session early this month.