Natural heritage exploiters warned amid Chocolate Hills resort issue

NOW QUIET | It’s quiet on Thursday at Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort, built in the middle of the Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan, Bohol, after its management suspended operations following social media criticism. The local government has revoked the resort’s business permit. (Photo LEO UDTOHAN / Inquirer Visayas)

MANILA, Philippines—Using the country’s natural resources for economic benefits must be done responsibly, three government departments said on Friday.

In a joint statement, the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Tourism (DOT) stated that the preservation of nature must be of the utmost priority.

READ: DILG task force digs into how Chocolate Hills resort was built

“The preservation of our natural heritage is paramount, and therefore, harnessing the economic benefits of our nation’s resources must be tempered with the duty to uphold the integrity of our protected areas today and for generations yet to come,” the statement said.

The statement was made following the issue of the Captain’s Peak Resort in the Chocolate Hills, which gained public traction and drew mixed reactions.

“For responsible tourism in protected areas, compliance cannot be compromised, and regular monitoring is a must. 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,” it added.

On March 13, the DENR said it had already issued a closure order against the resort in September 2023.

The DOT likewise said that no accreditation was issued to the resort.

READ: Resort at Chocolate Hills questioned over water use

As of this writing, investigations from multiple entities, such as the DILG and both houses of Congress, have been launched or will be launched against the resort.