The Provincial Development Council of Oriental Mindoro has resolved to take back Liwagao island from Caluya, Antique.

The council, approving a resolution filed by the League of Municipalities of Oriental Mindoro, agreed to form a task force that will revive Oriental Mindoro’s dormant claim on the island that was once a part of the southern Bulalacao town.

This move came on the heels of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ex-Officio Board Member Gideon B. Abuel’s remark declaring that Liwagao and Ngubat islads “rightfully” belong to Oriental Mindoro.

Abuel,  who is also the president of the Philippine Councilors League Oriental Mindoro chapter, said  during a Sangguniang Panlalawigan session held in Bulalacao on June 10 said the islands were illegally and “erroneously attached” to Antique.

The islands are believed to have a high potential for tourism.

Liwagao, which lies southeast of Bulalacao, is approximately 100 hectares and has a long stretch of white sand. It has different types of quality pebbles, superb coral formations and a diverse marine ecosystem.

Its northeastern portion is thickly covered with coconut and commercial trees. Coconut crabs abound too on the island, which is also a favorite hatching ground of sea turtles.

Five other resolutions were passed by the PDC. These are:

• For PDC to urge Congress to pass House Bill 4291, which provides for the construction of a megadike in Mag-asawang Tubig in Naujan.

• Ask the Commission on Audit to formulate a uniform policy in government processes in the procurement of facilities, supplies, etc.

• Conduct a study, led by the Provincial Disaster Response Team, on the condition of the 11.1-kilometer Balite River in Gloria.

• Formation of a working group—composed of the general manager of Bongabong Coconut Farmers Cooperative, Congress representatives from the first and second district, president of the League of Municipalities Oriental Mindoro Chapter and a representative from the provincial government—which will study the possibility of turning Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO) into “genuine cooperative”. The result of the study is expected within 30 days. The move is also meant to address the scheduled brownouts in Oriental Mindoro as a result of insufficient oil supply.

• Inspect the areas near a school in Sitio Catmon, Barangay Sumagui, Bansud, which according to Mayor Ronaldo M. Morada  are facing threats of landslides.