Dispute Over Osmeña Peak Jurisdiction Soon to End

The creation of a management board to oversee the operations of Osmeña Peak in south Cebu was considered by the Provincial Board (PB), headed by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, to finally settle the jurisdictional dispute over the famous tourist destination and ensure the fair sharing of the tourist site’s revenues.

In a caucus last Feb 19, Magpale and PB members met with Badian mayor Carmen Librando-Lumain, Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Cesante, and their respective councilors, as well as representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to resolve issues concerning the jurisdiction of Osmeña Peak.

Both the LGUs of Badian and Dalaguete questioned the claim of the other that Osmeña Peak is within their respective jurisdictions.

Aside from the two LGUs, there are also private individuals with certificate of stewardship contracts (CSC) for Osmeña Peak that has resulted in overlapping claims.

Based on DENR records, ALU-TUCP occupies a wide area of the peak in Barangay Dugyang, Dalaguete and Barangay Patong, Badian, through its Tree farm lease agreement (TFLA) valid for 25 years.

“Kung imong tan-awon, wa gyuy tree,” said Mayor Cesante.

ALU-TUCP’s TFLA will expire September this year said, Marjun de los Reyes, head of licensing, patents and deed section of DENR regional office.

DENR has also issued tenure instruments to farmers to till lands in the peak area.

Heirs of private citizens Abraham and Elizer Nepumoceno possess certificates of tenure, where they planted cabbages and other prime vegetables in the area. The area of Abraham expired in 2015 and was renewed while that of Elizer has not been renewed yet.

The rights issued to different parties has caused issues on its management.

“Ang problema man gud, government agencies nagpahimutang og mga rights owing to (numerous) claimants,” said Cesante.

Vice Gov. Magpale, who heads the Provincial Tourism Committee, said that this should immediately be addressed to protect Osmeña Peak.

“Let us protect this jewel. Please help us, DENR. Maghimo ta og management team,” said Magpale.

Dalaguete Tourism officer Victor Caruz said Osmeña peak is host to an average of 8,000 visitors per month. Magpale said with the rate of P50 for each visitor for the environmental fee, this translates to P400,000 in monthly revenue.

As such, all parties agreed that a management team would be created, with members coming from representatives of both Dalaguete and Badian towns, DENR and the Provincial Government.

The team will manage, supervise and formulate policies together that will govern the peak.

It was agreed that the creation of the new management team will be guided by the organizational set-up of a previous Osmeña Peak management team organized under the Province’s environment office. This time, the team will be under the Capitol’s tourism office.

As to complaints on tarpaulins at the Osmena Peak’s entrance bearing its location in Dalaguete, Cesante said these are initiated by tour operators and tourist guides offering tour packages, which they have no control over.

Magpale said this will also be the role of the management team, to correct mislabeling.

Further, Badian Councilor Edwin Celeste urged DENR to inform LGUs if there are applicants for CSC.

It was agreed that farmers with tenure instruments on the peak will be relocated to another area outside the peak and that those with tenure that are about to expire should undergo assessment of their stewardships.

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