Concerned tourists and residents have raised alarm after discovering that a floating platform serving as a dive center is allegedly anchored directly on coral reefs within a marine sanctuary.
On November 11, 2024, the Sangguniang Bayan of Panglao passed Resolution No. 360, calling on Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay to issue directives for the removal of the floating platform.
The resolution, authored by Vice Mayor Noel E. Hormachuelos and sponsored by Councilor Benedict C. Alcala, cited the lack of necessary permits and the potential risks the platform poses to the aquatic environment.
According to the resolution, “the Sangguniang Bayan upholds the preservation and responsible management of Panglao’s coastal and marine resources, recognizing the vital role these resources play in sustaining local biodiversity, supporting the livelihood of residents, and enhancing the ecological and economic value of the region for the benefit of both present and future generations.”
The resolution further stated that the area where the floating platform is located “is a renowned diving site, a treasured marine habitat that attracts both local and international divers, the existence of unregulated floating platforms may pose ecological risk to this sensitive habitat, such as coral damage from low-tide impact and sunlight obstruction crucial for marine biodiversity.”
Rojeine Sedillo, head of the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), acknowledged that the dive center did not present a Miscellaneous Lease Agreement (MLA) and Foreshore Lease Agreement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which are required for legal operations and environmental sustainability.
“The absence of these documents places the operation of the floating platform in an illegal state,” the resolution said.
In addition to the alleged damage to the coral reefs, the resolution also mentioned the platform as a source of trash from tourists participating in diving and snorkeling activities.
However, in a report signed by Sedillo and two other MENRO staff members, they stated that the platform is not actually anchored on any coral or seagrass.
The report indicated that the platform is moored to a sinker and is situated outside the continental shelf.
“We found that the platform is moored to a sinker and is situated outside the continental shelf. Above the anchor, we observed a school of sardines swimming freely in the sea,” the report said.
Mayor Arcay clarified that while the dive shop itself has the necessary permits, the platform does not.
He said that the municipality currently does not have any ordinance regulating the operation of such platforms.
Regarding the Miscellaneous Lease Agreement (MLA), Sedillo explained that a mayor’s permit is a prerequisite before an applicant can be issued an MLA by the DENR, which oversees legal activities in coastal and marine areas.
Although the inspection team made recommendations, such as moving the platform farther out to sea and limiting activities to just diving and snorkeling to prevent incidents, the controversy has prompted the Sangguniang Bayan to pass a resolution urging Mayor Arcay to remove the platform due to its alleged damage to the coral.
In response, the management of Poseidon Aqua Sports, the operator of the dive center, has written to Mayor Arcay requesting a copy of the MENRO inspection report.
They have expressed their willingness to make the necessary corrections to comply with the regulations governing their operations.