VicTour’s Recreation Hub has warned that many locals from Albur, Bohol would lose their livelihoods if their operations were to cease.
This statement was made by Vic Garay, the operator of VicTour’s Recreation Hub, during a live interview with members of the media last night.
He stated that approximately 200 staff members, all from Albur, and 500 fishermen who work weekly on whale watching would be affected if the operation were to be shut down.
He added that 11 barangays also receive a share of the total earnings from this tourist attraction every month.
In addition, tourist van drivers receive a share of 100 pesos per head, in addition to free breakfast and unlimited coffee.
He also mentioned that the problem of garbage has decreased since they began operating, as there are now people who collect the garbage around the area.
Last Monday, their office received an immediate stoppage order from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to cease operations because they do not have an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
According to the operator of VicTour’s Recreation Hub, they have a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Clearance, but the processing of the ECC is still ongoing because the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Albur is handling the document as they also have a development plan for a tourism complex project in the same area.
Currently, according to the operator, their facilities have been temporarily moved to a large parking area at the front, which is no longer part of the protected area.
This is a private lot where they are also allowed to store their life jackets, showers, restrooms, and more.
He added that the remaining cottages inside the protected area were built a long time ago, before the area was declared a protected area.
In addition, Sta. Fe Beach Resort is a public beach.
Their operations will continue because their facilities are no longer inside the protected area, the operator said.