INVESTIGATION OF ‘EYE SORE’ RESORT IN CHOCOLATE HILLS

A resort in Bohol built in the middle of the Chocolate Hills is garnering criticism. The Senate is investigating that especially since the chocolate hills is considered a protected area and a UNESCO global geopark.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, they have already issued a closure order for the said resort as early as September 2023. The Chocolate Hills was declared a protected area and a national geological monument in 1997, among the global geoparks according to UNSECO. Many ask how the sprawling resort at the foot of the mountains was built there.

Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Sagbayan town (Photo courtesy of Leo Udtohan / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
In the senate, the senate tourism committee filed a resolution to investigate this. It wants to explain to the DENR and its branches and local governments why it was granted a permit.
According to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol, it has investigated the construction of the resort in the part of the chocolate hills covered by the town of Sagbayan. Although the structures are covered by private lots, according to the Bohol provincial government, there are laws that limit what can be built there.
The DENR said that if part of the chocolate hills were entitled before it was declared a protected area in 1997, the rights and interests of private owners would be recognized and respected, but the area could be subject to restrictions and regulations on how it would be used and developed, which would be detailed. in the environmental impact statement before it is issued an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
In the case of the resort, according to the DENR, it has been issued a closure order and notice of violation because there is no ECC. They will inspect the area to enforce the closure order.
According to the Department of Tourism, the resort is not accredited and there is no application for accreditation in the department and they are concerned since 2023 and are communicating with the capitol of Bohol regarding the issue.
Source: GMA News
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