A MANAGEMENT BOARD will be set up to oversee the operations of Osmeña Peak, a popular tourist site in the southern part of Cebu with jurisdiction being contested by two towns. The management board, which has been approved by the provincial board, would be tasked to settle the sharing of revenues between the municipalities of Badian and Dalaguete, resolve overlapping property claims among private individuals and groups, and formulate policies that will govern the site. Dalaguete Tourism officer Victor Caruz said Osmeña Peak gets an average of 8,000 tourists per month, which translates to a revenue of P400,000 from the P50 environmental fee collected from each visitor. Vice Gov. Agnes A. Magpale, who also heads the provincial board, said they met earlier this month with Badian Mayor Carmen Librando-Lumain, Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan G. Cesante, their respective councilors, and representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to resolve issues concerning Osmeña Peak. “Let us protect this jewel,” said Ms. Magpale in a statement released by the Cebu provincial information office. The management board would have representatives from the two towns, the DENR, and the provincial government.

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