CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) - - Alarmed by reports of the continuous dwindling of the forest covers of the province, Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua has solicited the support of the Quirinians in his intention to push through with his proposal for the enactment of a Republic Act that will protect the Quirino Protected Landscape (QPL) and not just a mere Presidential Proclamation.

Cua said through the enactment of a law, the provincial government will have access to more funds and have more power to protect the QPL and the rich biodiversity that it holds.

“I am as well reaching out to our Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office with the help of our Department of Environment and Natural Resources to prepare a plan for the planting of 1 million trees within three years as one of our province’s humble contributions to the global effort to combat global warming,” Cua said.

Meanwhile, the governor also announced that starting the third quarter of July of this year, the provincial government will start implementing urban planning program in order to make sure that the urban centers and barangays are planned according to internationally accepted urban planning practices and standards.

“The province will actively support the initiative of our Congresswoman-elect for a beautification program of the province starting with our national highways,” Cua further announced.

Gov. Cua has urged the Tourism Office in cooperation with the Provincial Engineering Office to prepare a plan for the establishment of several camping sites or a system of camping sites throughout the province to encourage tourists who want to experience close encounter with nature.

Cua has further requested the tourism office to identify potential viewpoints that are for development as well as for protection saying that the province is endowed with many potential viewpoints that offere breathtaking panorama of the beautiful province as God created it.

Cua has also ordered the tourism office together with the provincial engineering office to prepare plans for these basic facilities for possible collaboration and funding by the TIEZA under the DOT.

“Despite the possible reduction in our financial resources, we should not stop planning for the future. We lack still, basic facilities for our tourists in our eco-tourism destinations,” he said. (OTB/TCB/PIA Quirino)