The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to conduct a comprehensive inspection of Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort, located in the iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol, following a temporary closure order issued six months ago. The resort has been under scrutiny for operating without the necessary environmental clearance certificate, prompting action from environmental authorities.
In a statement released on March 13, 2024, the DENR outlined the steps taken against the resort, which included a Temporary Closure Order dated September 6, 2023, and a Notice of Violation issued on January 22, 2024. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and preserving the integrity of protected areas.
The resort, which features amenities such as swimming pools, slides, cabanas, and a distinctive heart-shaped landmark amidst the Chocolate Hills, has faced criticism on social media for its location within a UNESCO-recognized protected area. Despite the controversy, the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort describes itself as a tourist destination offering a unique vantage point of the Chocolate Hills, located in Libertad Norte, Sagbayan, Bohol.
The UNESCO recognition of the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument highlights the site’s unique geological formations, comparable to those found in Java, Indonesia, yet distinguished by its conical, symmetrical, and uniformly sized hills. The area, encompassing 1,776 mounds across the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan, was recently added to UNESCO’s Global Geoparks network, affirming its international significance.
Proclamation 1037, issued by late President Fidel Ramos on July 1, 1997, designated the Chocolate Hills as a National Geological Monument and Protected Landscape. This designation aims to safeguard the unique geological formations and ensure their preservation for future generations. The proclamation acknowledges the rights of landowners whose properties were titled before its issuance but highlights that certain land use and development restrictions apply within the protected area.
The DENR’s upcoming inspection seeks to evaluate the resort’s adherence to environmental guidelines and the impact of its operations on the protected landscape. The Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR will oversee the monitoring process, emphasizing the importance of compliance with environmental standards to maintain the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Chocolate Hills.