The now viral controversy surrounding the iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol has drawn the attention of the nation and the world, prompting a response from various key figures.
Bohol First District Rep. Edgar M. Chatto has expressed his deep sadness over the issue, stating that it raises a lot of questions and lays a bad precedent at worst.
He also called for violators to face the full extent of the law.
“It is deeply saddening that Bohol is again in the limelight, nationally and internationally, for the wrong reasons; raises a lot of questions, to say the least and lays a bad precedent at the worst,” Chatto said in a statement.
According to reports, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), among other agencies, conducted investigations into the matter in 2023.
“If so, their findings must be made public and their recommendations considered. Should there be findings of fault, violators must face the full extent of the law,” Chatto added.
Bohol, recently recognized by UNESCO as the country’s first Global Geopark, is a prime eco-cultural tourism destination.
“Preservation of the Chocolate Hills and other declared protected areas is of paramount importance. Desecration of our national treasures must stop,” Chatto emphasized.
The congressman joined the call to restore the Chocolate Hills to its pristine condition, as far as practicable and in accordance with the law.
“And with the recognition of the province as a global geopark, it has now become an international interest,” he noted.
Chatto also expressed his support for the review of policies concerning all protected areas in the country, specifically the NIPAS Law.
“This is an opportune time to revisit all related policies that touch on practical issues like ownership, development, and land use,” he said.
In the meantime, Chatto urged the public to trust the processes undertaken by the DENR, the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Local Government Units (LGUs), and Congress in addressing this issue, which he described as “an affront to the Boholanos and the province of Bohol.”
“We believe that a desecration of His creation deserves Divine Intervention,” Chatto concluded.
Meanwhile, Second District Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado echoed these sentiments, expressing her sadness over the turn of events.
She assured that she, along with the PGBh, will work hand in hand with DENR and other environmental organizations to get to the bottom of the situation.
Third District Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor voiced her opposition against any decision or action that goes against the status of the Chocolate Hills as a UNESCO Geopark.
She called for the demolition and restoration of the controversial resort, Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort, and for the costs to be borne by the owners of the resort.
In the same vein, Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy also weighed in on the issue, encouraging the faithful to protect the province’s “unique gifts”.
He called on the faithful to take “pro-active” steps in safeguarding the environment through conservation efforts, sustainable practices, or advocating for policies that prioritize environmental protection.
The controversy began when a video reviewing the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort located at the foot of one of the Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town went viral on March 13, 2024.
This prompted the DENR to dispatch a team to probe potential violations of last year’s temporary closure order on the facility.
Both Houses of Congress are also seeking an inquiry into the construction of the resort.
The Chocolate Hills, listed by the National Geographic in 2016 among 19 of the most wild and beautiful places in the world, were recognized as the Philippines’ first global geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2023.