The idyllic Chocolate Hills in Bohol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are facing threats from resort construction. House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo is outraged over the discovery of two new resorts built within the protected zone.
This comes after Captain's Peak Garden and Resort sparked public outcry due to its questionable operation. Authorities had previously ordered the temporary closure of Captain's Peak.
Tulfo took to Facebook to express his indignation, sharing photos of the new resorts and questioning how construction was allowed to proceed in a protected area.
Television personality Gretchen Ho also amplified the issue, sharing images of the alleged resorts and revealing information from Captain’s Peak’s manager, Julieta Sablas. According to Sablas, there are at least two other resorts on the Chocolate Hills.
Julieta Sablas, manager of Captain’s Peak Resort revealed on #TheBigStory last night that there are at least two other resorts on the Chocolate Hills.
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) March 14, 2024
She also said that the DENR-PAMB already investigated last year when they first trended, and said they were compliant with only… https://t.co/XoxvfKIkcl
Sablas also claimed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Area Management Board (DENR-PAMB) investigated the issue last year but only found 20% of the structures to be non-compliant.
The Chocolate Hills were designated as a protected area in 1997 and received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2023. These designations highlight the importance of preserving this unique geological wonder.
The construction of these resorts has ignited public concern over the protection of the Chocolate Hills. Netizens, celebrities, and politicians are all expressing disapproval of the situation.
The alleged lack of proper permits for Captain's Peak and the emergence of additional resorts raise serious questions about how these projects were approved.
The reported findings by DENR-PAMB, if true, suggest a possible gap in enforcement.
Concerned voices are urging authorities to take decisive action to safeguard the Chocolate Hills. This treasured natural landmark deserves to be protected for future generations.
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