THE Capitol is seeking the suspension of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of one of several resorts in Kawasan Falls that it ordered closed last month.
In a letter to Environment Management Board (EMB-7) Regional Director Fernando Quililan, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the Small Cottage and Picnic Sheds Project owned by Wilhelmino Saldua is illegally operating in Matutinao, Badian town.
She said the ECC clearly stated that the resort is located in another part of the town in barangay Balhaan.
Garcia said the resort’s operations near the water falls contributed to “the irreversible damage and degradation of the place.”
After inspecting the area last month, Garcia declared the place closed to tourists to allow the demolition of structures like concrete foundations and cottages that she described as examples of “crass commercialism.”
Al Orolfo, regional director for Protected Areas and Wildlife and Coastal Management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), earlier said the resort and several other establishments were not observing a 20-meter easement from the falls’ banks.
The resort also allegedly failed to secure a permit to operate from the Department of Labor and Employment.
Other violations cited were the absence of a sanitation permit, water treatment facility and the continued sale of liquor.
Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla said clearing operations continue in Kawasan Falls.
“Workers are asking for three weeks to fully clear and restore the waterway,” he said. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos