In line with directives from Mayor Khymer Olaso, the city government conducted a multi-agency inspection of the city’s 11 islands early Thursday morning, May 7, to assess security conditions, tourism-related concerns, and infrastructure needs in the area.
Led by City Administrator Percival Ramos, the inspection covered several island areas including Buh-Buh, Sirromon, Baung-Baung, and Baguias, where officials evaluated existing conditions and identified concerns requiring immediate government attention to improve public safety, accessibility, and tourism readiness.
Among the issues noted during the inspection were the need for potable water supply, improved road access, watchtowers, additional motorized boats, and other essential facilities needed to support island residents and strengthen the delivery of government services. Authorities also reviewed the presence of structures in coastal areas as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with land use and environmental regulations.
The inspection was anchored on earlier policy discussions led by Mayor Olaso, who on Tuesday, May 5, met with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-9) to address concerns on unregulated development in the islands. During the meeting, the need to strengthen protection measures was emphasized, including the proposed inclusion of Once Islas in the list of protected areas and the regulation of ongoing developments within island communities.
In connection with these directives, the findings of the on-site inspection are expected to support the city’s ongoing policy and planning measures for island protection, environmental management, and sustainable tourism development, ensuring that both regulatory and operational concerns are addressed in a coordinated manner.
Following the inspection, Ramos met with concerned city offices at City Hall Friday afternoon, May 8, and directed them to submit a consolidated report and recommendations by Tuesday, May 12, before the findings were elevated to Mayor Olaso for appropriate action and possible interventions.
Ramos said another round of inspection will be conducted as the city government continues to strengthen inter-agency coordination and formulate long-term measures aimed at improving security, public services, environmental management, and tourism development in the city’s island barangays.
Participating offices and agencies included the Housing and Land Management Division, DENR-9, Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), CEO, City Assessor’s Office, Barangay Affairs Division, City Tourism Office, Zoning Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zamboanga City Office, local police units, and barangay officials from Panubigan and Dita. (Arvin Midel/Sheyn Arambala) (photo credits: SMO-CMO)