Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia 'Toni' Yulo-Loyzaga divulged on Friday, January 15, that many resorts operate without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
Loyzaga made the revelation amidst the controversy caused by The Captain's Peak, a resort found in the vicinity of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, that operates even without an ECC.
"Hindi ito nag-iisang situation. Marami diyan na resort na nag-operate na walang ECC," she said during DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
Loyzaga mentioned that Siargao Island has more than 1,100 establishments but around 900 of them operate without an ECC.
The problem prompted the agency to launch the DENR Services on Wheels, a mobile one-stop that processes applications for ECC, and other documents.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 13, the DENR mentioned that the agency issued a temporary closure order in 2023, and a notice of violation last January against Captain's Peak for operating without an ECC.
DENR also mentioned that late President Fidel Ramos issued Proclamation No. `1037 in 1997 that designates Chocolate Hills as a protected area.
"This Proclamation designated the Chocolate Hills as a National Geological Monument and a Protected Landscape, recognizing the unique geological formations and the importance of covering this natural wonder for future generations," DENR said.
"The declaration aimed to preserve the iconic landscape of the Chocolate Hills and promote sustainable tourism while protecting the biodiversity and environmental integrity of the area," the agency added.
