Arroyo earmarks P5B for conservation projects, todays articles

BATAAN, Philippines - President Gloria Arroyo said Wednesday that government has allocated P5 billion for conservation activities, including the P240 million for protected areas.
Mrs. Arroyo said the allocation is part of the P8-billion budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for 2008.
DENR’s 2008 budget would be used to beautify villages and cities, build more urban parks and recreation areas, purify water systems and clean up industrial sites.
These efforts highlight government's commitment to take care of the environment, adding that protection of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is among top government priorities, the President said. Mrs. Arroyo said the P240 million will be spent for protected areas so that these could be developed into international sanctuaries for eco-tourism and scientific research.
The President has also set aside P5 million for the Pawikan (sea turtle) conservation Project in the village of Nagbalayong in Morong, Bataan. Through the Philippine Tourism Authority, the president ordered the release of additional funds for the setting up of shelters, lodging rooms for tourists and marine biologists and livelihood for project officers.

source:gmanews.com