CEBU CITY, Philippines – The barangay (village) captain of Malapascua Island has quit his post as a member of a committee overseeing the eco-tourism development plan of the island.Logon barangay Captain Rex Novabos resigned as a member of the technical committee of the Malapascua Island Eco-Tourism Development Plan Task Force after his suggestions opposing a proposed ban on motorcycles and establishments built within the 20-meter salvage zone in Barangay Logon, Daanbantayan town in northern Cebu were not heeded. Novabos, who submitted his letter of resignation on April 29, said his letter was to prevent chaos in the event that the total ban on the use of motorcycles in the island and the demolition of the houses within the 20-meter salvage zone are implemented. He told the task force's technical working committee that it would be difficult should they decide to implement their development plan for the island, even during the early stages of their planning. He also suggested that authorities regulate instead of ban the operation of motorcycles-for-hire on the island. He said these vehicles have become the most efficient and practical mode of transportation in the island He also suggested that only commercial establishments engaged in tourism business be demolished and that shanties owned by fishermen within the salvage zone be spared. "If the demolition will be implemented, this will affect, between 80 and 90 percent of the island's residents that reside in Sitios (district) Barrio, Guimbitayan, Bool, Bakhaw and Pasil," he said. He said the people in this barangays depend on the sea for livelihood. “We have no area to relocate the displaced people of barangay Logon. Also, when relocated, they have no money to build their new homes,” he said. He also urged the committee to further study the development plan before implementing it. He said he decided to resign after his suggestions were not heeded. “I strongly disagree that tourism should come before the welfare and (protection of the) rights to shelter of the people in Malapascua Island,” he said.
The Provincial Board on Monday discussed Novabos’ resignation
The Board members agreed to refer the matter to the committee on tourism for further study. Board Members Joven Mondigo and Jose Maria Gastardo of the fourth district will also meet with Capitol security consultant Byron Garcia, who head's the task force's implementing arm. Board Member Victor Maambong said that Novabos concern was “urgent” and needed the provincial board's attention. A final notice of demolition was already issued to the affected parties on April 7. /Reporter Doris C. Bongcac | 
