A viral video circulating on social media depicts a swimming pool situated near the iconic Chocolate Hills in Bohol, sparking controversy online.
The video reveals extensive resort infrastructure, including cottages and rooms, within the area of the Chocolate Hills, with one cottage positioned at the base of a hill.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) took action by enforcing a temporary closure order against a resort located at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
“In the case of the Captain’s Peak Resort, the DENR issued a Temporary Closure Order last Sept. 6, 2023 and a Notice of Violation to the project proponent last Jan. 22 for operating without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC),” the DENR said.
Region 7 Executive Director Paquito Melicor of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has instructed the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Bohol, led by Ariel Rica, to form a team to ensure compliance with the temporary closure order issued against Captain's Peak Resort.
This team will conduct inspections to verify that the resort remains closed, with ongoing monitoring by the DENR Environmental Management Bureau.
Despite the protected status of the Chocolate Hills as a National Geological Monument and a Protected Landscape since July 1, 1997, as declared by Proclamation 1037 under then-president Fidel Ramos, the Captain's Peak Resort posted on its Facebook page about hosting the Bohol Provincial Meet 2024 Swimming Competition.
This raises concerns about the resort's adherence to environmental regulations and the preservation of the natural wonder for future generations.
The DENR underscores the importance of preserving the unique geological formations of the Chocolate Hills and promoting sustainable tourism while safeguarding the area's biodiversity and environmental integrity.
“If a land was titled prior to Proclamation 1037 declaring an area as a protected area, the rights and interests of the landowner will generally be recognized and respected. However, the declaration of the area as a protected area may impose certain restrictions or regulations on land use and development within the protected area, even for privately owned lands. These restrictions and regulations are to be detailed in the Environmental Impact Statement prior to the issuance of an ECC for the project,” the DENR said.
Senate probe
Senator Nancy Binay has called for a Senate investigation into the construction of a swimming pool and resort located at the base of Chocolate Hills.
As chairperson of the Senate committee on tourism, Binay expressed her dismay at the sight of the resort describing it as "heart-wrenching and heart-breaking."
She emphasized the need to address the apparent discrepancy and potential violations, highlighting the importance of preserving the natural beauty and integrity of tourist destinations like the Chocolate Hills.
“If the government agencies that have the duty and responsibility to take care of the Chocolate Hills have a pro-environment mindset, our question is, why did they build a resort and still have cottages and a swimming pool in a ‘classified natural monument’ under NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Areas System) and a protected UNESCO geopark?” Binay said.
“It has also come to my attention that PAMB (Protected Area Management Board) in 2022 and 2023 approved the proposal and issued a resolution favorably endorsing the development of Captain’s Peak Resort located at Canmano, Sagbayan, Bohol within the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument,” she added.
She asked concerned government agencies, including the local government, to explain why construction permits continue to be granted despite Chocolate Hills’ protected status.
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