By The Wires | 03:10 PM May 21, 2024
A total of 558 establishments within Chocolate Hills are operating without the proper documents, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported on Monday.
During the Natural Resources Committee hearing in the House of Representatives on the controversial Captain’s Peak resort built in Chocolate Hills, the DENR said it had taken inventory of the establishments within the heritage site.
The establishments include multi-purpose centers, sari-sari stores, farm-to-market roads, and more.
Regional Executive Director Paquito D. Melicor presented the data to lawmakers, including Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel, and Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas.
As of May 10, the DENR recorded 637 establishments, only six of which have both a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) endorsement and an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
“There are 558 which have no PAMB endorsement and no ECC,” said Melicor.
However, Melicor explained that these establishments were built on land that was legally titled to them.
DENR is still discussing legal options.
