Angara pushes for lead agency to oversee PH Rise exploration

A lead agency should be created to oversee maritime scientific research in the Benham Rise or the Philippine Rise to secure the country’s rights over the resource-rich continental shelf, Senator Sonny Angara said on Thursday.

“Mas mapapadali at mas magkakaroon ng koordinasyon sa pananaliksik ng Benham Rise kung may pangunahing ahensya na responsable dito. Higit sa lahat, mas masisiguro nito na mga Pilipino ang makikinabang sa mga benepisyo mula rito,” Angara said in a statement.

According to Angara, Senate Bill 312 which he filed together with Senator Joel Villanueva on July 4, 2016, seeks to create the Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA) that aims to promote and facilitate the exploration and study of Benham Rise.

Angara said the bill remains pending in the Senate committee on economic affairs.

“We should accelerate its development to optimize its full potential to be a rich source of alternative energy, marine resources, and as a possible tourism destination. This will spur economic activity in the area that would create jobs especially for the locals,” Angara said.

The BRDA, Angara explained, would also act as the official and permanent lead agency of the government in coordinating the formulation and implementation of policies for the continental shelf’s sustainable development.

“It shall also receive and administer donations, contributions and grants from foreign governments, international agencies and private entities, including ODA, to be used for such programs,” Angara said.

“The proposed measure likewise mandates the body to advocate national policies that will foster integrated and balanced development of Benham Rise,” he added. /muf