Aeta representative asked to inhibit from land talks
MABALACAT CITY — The new administration here, under the leadership of Mayor Cris Garbo, has requested Councilor Ruvielane Serrano Magarito, a representative of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the city council, to inhibit herself from participating in discussions related to the Certificate of Ancestral Domain (CADT) issues for alleged conflict of interest.
The stand of the Garbo Administration was relayed in a recent en banc session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for Margarito to remain neutral as she represents all Aetas of this city.
Margarito has been vocal in pursuing the interests of Sangguniang Tribung Aeta (STA), one of the many feuding groups claiming to have authority to negotiate for Aetas for CADT inside Clark Special Economic Zone.
The session was attended by Aeta leaders and supporters of Bamban Aeta Tribal Association (BATA), Mabalacat Aeta Tribal Association (MATA), and other IP groups.
Bacolor and Sto. Tomas to unite and put together their resources in finding the solution against flooding.
“We are still in the process, it is not yet finalized but the council is committed kasi ito ‘yung nakikita namin na magandang paraan masolusyonan ‘yung baha sa San Fernando,” he said.
Lazatin stressed that the unity of local government units is essential to clear all the waterways and ensure the free flow of rainwater from Angeles City to the Manila Bay.
He stressed that without a proper ordinance and consent from concerned local officials, the city government cannot impose measures outside their jurisdiction.
“Napakaganda ng ordinansa na ito dahil hindi lang ito ordinansa para sa Siyudad San Fernando dahil ang concern ng pagbaha ay hindi lang sa San Fernando, concern din ito ng Mexico, ng Bacolor at ng Sto. Tomas,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin cited the ongoing team-up between the City of San Fernando and Sto. Tomas town, including other concerned national agencies and the private sector to clear the portion of Third River which became beneficial to the two local governments.
He stressed that its results were felt during the onslaught of Typhoon Gorio after all thoroughfares in the city weren’t flooded despite series of heavy r ai ns.
“Malaki po ang naitulong nito sa San Fernando. Lahat po ng daan functional, walang gaanong baha na malayong malayo sa nangyari nung nakaraang taon. At ito po, dalawang local governments pa lang ang natutulungan, what more kung mas marami,” he said.
Once passed, Lazatin said a flood summit must first be conducted to identify the specific problems of each municipality and possible solutions before imposing measures.