Official visit?

• Councilor called out after trekking despite existing ban in Tagurano Upland

THE BARANGAY council of Tagurano called out a lawmaker for reportedly flouting the ban on trekking activities in its upland area. 

“Dako ang pagkadismaya ug pagkabalaka sa barangay council ug residente sa Barangay Tagurano nga usa sa mga opisyal sa dakbayan sa Dabaw misupak sa maong order (The Barangay Tagurano council and residents are dismayed and concerned that one of the city officials violated the order),” it said. 

However, Councilor Bernard Al-ag claimed that his visit to the area was not for leisure. 

Earlier this May, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued a cease and desist order to illegal encroachers in Tagurano Upland. The order also closed down establishments and banned new structures or any business enterprise. 

Following the advisory, the Barangay Council of Tagurano passed a resolution temporarily closing the area to hikers/trekkers/mountaineers.

However, on Monday, the Barangay Council’s Facebook page showed Councilor Bernard Al-ag in Battlefield Peak, one of the popular destinations in the area. Accordingly, the legislator brought other trekkers with him without prior approval from community officials.

The post further stated that the ban doesn’t exempt anyone. 

“Ang barangay wala’y gipili nga tao nga pasakahon sa Tagurano Upland. Ma opisyal man o ordinaryo nga tao, gibawalan ug wala gitugutan nga musaka sa masking asa nga area (The barangay doesn’t discriminate anyone. Whether a public official or ordinary person, they are not allowed to hike anywhere the area),” it added.

Councilor’s side

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Al-Ag told reporters that he went to the area on Sunday to conduct consultation among the residents, particularly on their living conditions. He said the closure of establishments affected the livelihood and income of people in the community.

“I was there for the consultation with the residents because it has been five months since the establishments were closed and they promised to fix the regulations but it’s already five months,” he told reporters. 

Presently, the barangay council sought guidance from the City Tourism Office and the Office of the City Mayor to craft measures to legalize hiking and trekking activities in the community. Pending the measure, however, barangay officials urged the public to respect the ban.