BOHOL, Philippines – The newly built Captains Peak Garden Resort in Bohol has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from netizens due to its proximity to the iconic Chocolate Hills.
In a statement released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday, it confirmed that Captain’s Peak is operating without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and has issued a notice of violation in January this year for doing so.
The Chocolate Hills were declared a National Geological Monument and Protected Landscape in 1997 by virtue of Proclamation 1037 signed by late President Fidel Ramos. This aimed to “preserve the iconic landscape of the Chocolate Hills and promote sustainable tourism while protecting the biodiversity and environmental integrity of the area.”
The resort has been ordered to temporarily stop its operation pending investigation “for operating without an ECC.”
The resort, touted as a luxury destination, has faced backlash online, with many expressing concerns over the potential environmental impact and preservation of the natural landscape.
Netizens shared photos, videos, and memes showing the resort’s proximity to the Chocolate Hills, drawing backlash and concern from hundreds of social media users.
The Chocolate Hills, a geological formation consisting of at least 1,260 hills, is a renowned tourist attraction in Bohol and a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. The location of the Captains Peak Garden Resort, which includes a huge pool with slides and a few houses for guests, was constructed near the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen, raising alarm among environmental advocates and netizens alike.
In a UNESCO website, it said that the conical and almost symmetrical and same-sized hills known as the ‘Chocolate Hills’, are more aesthetically extensive. These were the uplift of coral deposits and the result of the action of rainwater and erosion.
“The hills are located throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan and consist of about 1,776 mounds of the same general shape. During the dry season when precipitation is inadequate, the grass-covered hills turn chocolate brown, hence the name in reference to a branded confection,” UNESCO said on its website.
Critics argue that if construction of resorts and permanent structures continue, this could lead to irreversible damage to the surrounding ecosystem, including the degradation of the Chocolate Hills’ natural beauty and ecological balance. They have called for stricter regulations and environmental assessments to be conducted before any construction activities proceed.
In response to the backlash, the resort owner and its manager have stated that they are committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. They have pledged to work closely with local authorities and environmental experts to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
Despite these assurances, the controversy surrounding the Captains Peak Garden Resort underscores the delicate balance between tourism development and environmental conservation in Bohol. As the debate continues, stakeholders are urged to consider the long-term implications of any development in the area to preserve the natural heritage of the Chocolate Hills for future generations.
(Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.)
