Sasmuan mangroves to become tourist spot

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) disclosed plans to turn a mangrove-laden land in Sasmuan town into a local tourist destination.

According to PG-ENRO chief Arthur Punzalan, the 400-hectare land, Bangkong Mapalad, is bedded with 13.5 hectares of mangroves.

He said the provincial government is set to seek the help of national agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to make this plan a reality.

The Capitol, he said, is focused on the beautification and enhancement of the natural resources of Pampanga to be able to build tourism that will promote the different attractions of the province.

In the same vein, the provincial government through the PG-ENRO will intensify programs on solid waste management in the province.

In the radio program “Pampanga, Kaluguran Da Ka”, Punzalan said that Governor Lilia Pineda is determined to end the solid waste problem of the province.

Punzalan said the governor wants to prepare the province for the coming rainy season.
He cited the need to prioritize waste management as the population in Pampanga continues to grow.
According to the 2015 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Pampanga has now roughly 2.2 million inhabitants.

Punzalan said that the provincial government has allotted material recovery facilities (MRFs) to some municipalities of Pampanga that could address problems how to dispose or recycle unwanted garbage and help in regulating solid waste management.

The MRFs are utilized in preparing, separating and recycling materials produced by residential and commercial wastes.

“These facilities are big help to the province since these regulate the amount of waste from biodegradable, non-biodegradable and recyclable wherein wastes can also turn into fertilizers,” he added.