Concerns are growing after serious allegations emerged that private resorts in Siargao have made illegal alterations to the coastal environment—and even damaged parts of the island’s protected reef.
Specifically, it’s claimed that developers working on Paloma Resort excavated a large limestone rock formation along the beachfront, which forms part of the reef system. Locals say this wasn’t just cosmetic modifications: they saw heavy equipment operating at night to remove rock and coral. These reefs are critical—not only for marine biodiversity but also for protecting the shoreline and supporting the iconic surf conditions at Siargao’s Cloud 9.
In response, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a Cease-and-Desist Order against the resort. The local Protected Area Management Board has also flagged the lack of key permits: according to their findings, the developer did not secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or clearance from the Protected Area board—both required under national environmental law.
Community members and environmental advocates are alarmed. They argue that once a reef is destroyed, it takes years—or even decades—to recover. For them, this isn’t just about one resort: it reflects a bigger threat to Siargao’s natural heritage and long-term sustainability.