The three congressmen of Negros Oriental have filed a bill in Congress for the automatic retention of shares from the development of protected areas in the province.

Rep. Henry Pryde Teves (Neg. Or., 3rd district) yesterday cited the case of Apo Island where residents have complained of delayed arrival of their 75 percent share from the national government.

The island generates monthly income of P500,000 from domestic and foreign tourists. The 75 percent share in its development, however, returns to the local community only after two years, he said.

Services rendered by persons tasked to manage the island, including members of the Bantay Dagat and tanods, have to be compensated so they can feed their families, he said. The two other Negrense solons are Reps. Josy Limkaichong (1st district) and George Arnaiz (2nd district).*JG

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