THE management of the resort located in the middle of Chocolate Hills in Bohol announced that it would temporarily cease operations to make way for ”maintenance and environmental preservation efforts.”
In an advisory posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday, The Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort said the decision was in accordance with the directive from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
It was not stated how long the operation suspension would last.
Related Article: Resort in the middle of Chocolate Hills sparks uproar; DENR says closure order issued
”During this closure, we will be implementing various eco-friendly initiatives to further enhance the sustainability of our resort. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and ensuring the preservation of the natural beauty that surrounds us,” Captain’s Peak said.
The resort also apologized for any inconvenience the temporary closure may cause.
”We look forward to welcoming you back soon,” it said.
On Wednesday, the DENR revealed that it had issued a temporary closure order on September 6, 2023, and a notice of violation to the developer of Captain’s Peak on January 22, 2024, for operating without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
The development came after social media users reacted negatively to the video that featured Captain’s Peak. Many netizens questioned how a resort could be built when Chocolate Hills is located in a protected area.
In July 1997, then-President Fidel Ramos issued Proclamation No. 1037, designating Chocolate Hills as a National Geological Monument and Protected Landscape.
The proclamation states that ”regardless of the existence of prior private rights, no activity of any kind, including quarrying, which will alter, mutilate, deface, or destroy the hills, shall be conducted.”
The National Integrated Protected Areas System Act or Republic Act 7586 also prohibits ”mutilating, defacing, or destroying objects of natural beauty or objects of interest to cultural communities (of scenic value).”
”If land was titled prior to Proclamation 1037 declaring an area a protected area, the rights and interests of the landowner will generally be recognized and respected. However, the declaration of the area as a protected area may impose certain restrictions or regulations on land use and development within the protected area, even for privately owned lands,” the DENR said.
”These restrictions and regulations are to be detailed in the Environment Impact Statement prior to the issuance of an ECC for the project.”
In a separate statement, the Department of Tourism commended the issuance of the temporary closure order by the DENR.
The DOT also revealed that Captain’s Peak is not an accredited tourism establishment, and there is no pending application for accreditation for the same.
”While development is essential for growth and progress, it must be conducted in harmony with environmental and cultural preservation,” it said.
