MANILA, Philippines – Nangako ang pamahalaan na mas mahigpit na nitong ipatutupad ang mga polisiya para maiwasan ang kaparehong kaso ng kontrobersyal na resort sa paanan ng Chocolate Hills sa Sagbayan, Bohol.
Matatandaan na nag-viral sa social media ang resort sa paanan mismo ng Chocolate Hills dahilan para imbestigahan ito ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan.
Nakikipag-ugnayan na ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism at Department of the Interior and Local Government para paigtingin ang kanilang regulasyon at mahigpit na imonitor ang iba’t ibang lugar para maiwasang maulit ang ganitong kaso.
“Achieving this starts with identifying the gaps in historical policies and practices and developing a comprehensive and balanced approach at both national and local levels of government,” saad sa joint statement ng mga ahensya nitong Biyernes, Marso 22.
“This includes strengthening regulations and monitoring mechanisms, rationalizing land use classification, and enforcing evidence-informed environmental protection according to global environmental standards, while also considering the communities’ needs for livelihood and employment.”
Ang pahayag ay inilabas nina DENR secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, at DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos.
Sinabi rin ng concerned agencies na oobligahin ang full compliance ng mga permit at kaukulang dokumento mula sa mga negosyante na nagpaplanong maglagay ng establisyimento sa lugar.
Sa kaso ng viral na resort sa Chocolate Hills, aminado ang manager nito na wala silang environment certificate
Napag-alaman na nakapag-operate pa rin ang Captain’s Peak Resort kahit na wala itong Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC).
“The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) resolution allowing development in a protected area does not omit the necessity of obtaining an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), as this is required by law,” ayon sa mga ahensya.
“This would include representatives of the relevant national government agencies, scientific experts, expert practitioners, tourism planning officers, the academe, and non-government organizations who actively promote sustainable practices, community engagement, and alignment of tourism development with environmental goals,” dagdag pa. RNT/JGC
