The House of Representatives’ committee on local government has approved a bill that seeks to rename the resort island of Panglao to Dauis-Panglao Island.

According to first district Rep. Rene Relampagos who authored House Bill 6241, the measure was crafted to “correct geographical misrepresentation” and give due recognition to the town of Dauis.

“For the longest time, the island over which these two municipalities are found is referred to as Panglao Island,” Relampagos said.

The renaming of the island is also intended to avoid confusion over the names of the municipalities and the island, he added.

Both the towns of Panglao and Dauis are located within the 91-square-kilometer Panglao Island.

The municipality of Panglao is one of the country’s top tourist draws due to its white-sand beaches while Dauis is among the province’s oldest towns.

“The Assumption of Our Lady Shrine Parish and the Hinagdanan Cave are situated in Dauis,” Relampagos said. “[Panglao] houses 10 barangays and hosts one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.” (Rey Tutas)